New York State is funding a $4 million internship program to provide City University of New York (CUNY) students with work experience and $20 an hour free for employers, including small businesses, tech startups, nonprofits, corporations and government agencies.
Governor Kathy Hochul
The Spring Forward program has 10-week internships that began in February.
“With access to quality, affordable college education and career opportunities, CUNY students have the chance to climb the ladder of success and help build a better New York for generations to come,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “The Spring Forward program not only helps students gain valuable career experience, but also helps connect local employers with top-level talent, underscoring our commitment to supporting students to earn their degrees and enter rewarding careers.”
City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos RodrÃguez said, “80% of CUNY students stay in New York and help businesses and nonprofit employers innovate, penetrate new markets and thrive.”
On average, 60% of employers prefer to hire graduates and workers with work experience, Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy said.
“Internship experiences translate into real-world career experiences and preparedness that help take advantage of better pay, benefits and economic empowerment after college, and today’s announcement will welcome even more students into CUNY’s Spring Forward program,” Fahy said. “Furthermore, paid internships are more likely to translate into job offers, and connecting employers with new generations of skilled workers is a win-win not only for our students and universities, but also for the wider economy.”
