Mayor John Muns Kicks Off Ninth Year of Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program with call for businesses of all sizes to Invest In Youth and The City’s Future Workforce

(Featured photo: Plano Mayor John Muns, Andrella Thomas, 2021 PMSIP intern alum Julian Coleman, Plano ISD Superintendent Sara Bonser.)*

Since 2014, approximately 700 teens have worked at some of the area’s most prominent companies, nonprofits and government agencies; Mayor Muns encourages businesses to sign up by April 15 to hire at least two interns

With a call for businesses and nonprofits of all sizes to hire at least two teens, Plano Mayor John Muns today kicked off the ninth-annual Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program (PMSIP). The deadline for businesses to sign up is April 15.

Presented by Capital One, the competitive “learn-and-earn” program connects students from Plano’s award-winning and nationally recognized school district with some of the area’s top corporations, nonprofits and government agencies. The eight-week paid internship program – offering remote and on-site placements, or a combination of both – runs June 6-July 29 (although start dates are flexible). Students earn a minimum of $10 per hour working 20-40 hours per week.

During a “Coffee with the Mayor” event at the Plano Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Muns discussed his hopes for the continued growth of the program. Four business representatives and an intern alum participated in a panel discuss to share their experiences, success stories, advice and more. Mayor Muns also praised the business and nonprofit organizations who have continued to participate in the program, despite the hardships of the pandemic.

“During a time when organizations, large and small, are often understaffed, this program offer a unique way to connect with very bright and talented young people who will soon be part of our future workforce,” said Mayor Muns. “Not only are these smart and determined teens learning invaluable lessons from being immersed in a professional setting, but companies are making timely connections with these promising young people as they transition to college and careers in marketing, health, hospitality, engineering, cyber security and more.”

Since the program’s launch in 2014, approximately 700 students have received eight-week internships. Additionally, thousands of students have applied for the program and benefited from attending the internship prep training and Job Fair each year.

Highlights of today’s program included a Q&A with Mayor Muns, representatives from the Plano Chamber and four businesses, plus PMSIP alum Julian Coleman who interned at Susan G. Komen in 2021.

Sharing their insights were Plano ISD Superintendent Sara Bonser; Kelle Marsalis, president and CEO, Plano Chamber; Michael Lawson, senior manager, global engagement at Boeing, who served as emcee; Steven Webb, Vice President (Technology), Public Cloud Product Adoption, JPMorgan Chase; and Alison Hansard, Senior HR Generalist, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. They discussed the caliber of students involved in the program and the robust mandatory training the interns undergo to prepare them for their transition into the professional work environment. They expressed the rewards and many tangible benefits of having the young people involved and encouraged other companies to join the cause. Also on hand was 2021 intern alum Julian Coleman, who worked at Susan G. Komen, to talk about his positive experiences.

Mayor Muns also recognized the longtime support of presenting sponsor Capital One, along with Plano ISD and JPMorgan Chase (Job Fair sponsor), which underwrites 20 interns in the technology and healthcare industries and the nonprofit sector every summer.

“For many years, the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program has given hundreds of students the unique opportunity to take their education beyond the classroom and learn from some of the top businesses and nonprofits in DFW,” said Sanjiv Yajnik, President, Financial Services at Capital One. “We are proud to build on the Capital One Impact Initiative by investing in the future leaders of our region to help make Plano a vibrant community to live and work.”

Other program sponsors are Atmos Energy, Bank of America, Boeing, City of Plano, FedEx Office, Liberty Mutual, NTT DATA Services and Oncor.

Businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to sign up and hire at least two interns. Businesses may also underwrite an intern at a nonprofit or government agency, or become a program sponsor. Companies pay a $500 program fee for each intern that covers training and enrichment activities, the Job Fair and onboarding and administrative costs.Details and the online application are available at planomayorsinterns.org. Companies interested in signing up may contact Vicki Wait at vicki@vwaitgroup.com.

(This Philanthropy Lifestyles eBuzz courtesy Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program.)