The Paid Internship Program, created in 2016, aims to help people get work experience and grow the number of inclusive employers. The program provides funding for the wages and employer costs for an individual placed in an internship in a CIE setting. Each internship is funded for up to 1,040 paid working hours per year.
The Paid Internship Program benefits both the individual and the employer’s business. The intern has the chance to explore different employment and career opportunities, and the business learns about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. Fiscal Year 2022-23 was the strongest year for the program to date, with 2,650 interns participating.
Paid Internship Program with PSW Cares and the Parenting Network
Sometimes it can be hard to know what type of work you’re interested in or where to get started to find a job. An internship can be a great way to learn and gain new skills. At PSW Cares in the Central Valley, the Paid Internship Program is setting up Kevin Gonzalez for success. He has been working as an intern and administrative assistant at Parenting Network since August. Kevin has been doing clerical and respite work and preparing items for families in need. Kevin says he enjoys the job and that it helps him do the work he wants to do.
“I like the friendly staff,” he explained. “Having access to good jobs for all is very important for us to gain experience.”
“We see Kevin becoming a permanent employee of the Parenting Network, if that is what Kevin wants,” said Harley Sanchez, Kevin’s supervisor.
PSW Cares currently has six individuals in Paid Internship Program placements in Visalia, Porterville, and Woodlake. This is one of many efforts it has implemented since transitioning away from sub-minimum wage in January 2024. PSW Cares says the program has been well-received and that job developers continue to build relationships with businesses. They hope to grow the program for individuals to have more choices in line with their career goals.
