EXPAND Greater Springfield Internship Program: Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce Today

In a world where the demand for a skilled and adaptable workforce is constantly growing, EXPAND Greater Springfield is taking proactive steps to ensure that Springfield and Clark County are not just keeping up but leading the charge. The EXPAND Greater Springfield Magnify Internship Program is an excellent example of how the region prioritizes developing its young talent, creating a reliable pipeline of well-prepared workers for local businesses.

Springfield's Commitment to Excellence: A New Destination for Skilled Talent

This year, 41 eager students were accepted into the program, each taking their first steps toward a successful career. The program kicked off with a Training Day on April 11th at the Brinkman Education Center, where students participated in three crucial sessions designed to equip them with the skills necessary to excel in the workforce. These sessions covered everything from money management and life skills to resume building and interview preparation.

One of the standout features of the program is its partnership with Clothes That Work, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals present themselves confidently in professional settings. Thanks to The Springfield Foundation and its grant funding, Clothes That Work was able to operate in Clark County providing each student with free interview clothing, ensuring they could put their best foot forward when meeting potential employers.

Laura Hart, Director of Education and Outreach at Clothes That Work, praised the initiative, saying, "The student interns participating in the program are learning valuable skills to prepare them for future employment, and the program is a wonderful asset to Clark County. It was an honor to participate in this event and work with Kaitlyn Tyler and the Greater Springfield Partnership."

Kaitlyn Tyler, the Talent and Education Coordinator for EXPAND Greater Springfield, played a pivotal role in making this program successful. She met individually with each student to match them with companies for interviews, using their YouScience Results—a tool that helps students discover their natural aptitudes and connect them to relevant career pathways. This personalized approach ensured that each student could interview with up to three companies aligned with their interests and strengths. The internship program also garnered enthusiastic support from local businesses, who see it as a crucial component of workforce development.

Building Strong Foundations: Local Businesses and Students Partner for Success

This year's student placements included diverse organizations, from the Springfield Kiwanis and Woeber Mustard Manufacturing Company to Clark Shawnee Local Schools and United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties. These placements are not just about filling temporary positions—they're about building lasting relationships that benefit the students and the businesses involved.

As Christina Walters, CEO of Night Dispatch LLC, put it, "The Magnify Internship Program stands out as the best I have ever dealt with, and I highly recommend it to any organization looking to benefit from dedicated, high-quality interns."

The success of this internship program is less about the here and now, and more about the future. By providing these students with the skills, experience, and connections they need to succeed, EXPAND Greater Springfield is positioning Springfield and Clark County as a destination for businesses seeking a reliable and well-trained workforce.

As Jody Gump, AVP & BCM Business Development at WesBanco, noted, "The Magnify Internship Program training day is a wonderful opportunity for local students to get access to those opportunities and to be able to connect with local leaders." This sentiment encapsulates the broader vision of EXPAND Greater Springfield: to create a thriving environment where young talent can flourish, and businesses can count on a reliable talent pool of skilled workers.

Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: How EXPAND Greater Springfield is Shaping the Future Workforce

In a competitive landscape, Springfield is making a name for itself where businesses can expect more than just a workforce—they can expect a community committed to excellence and growth. The EXPAND Greater Springfield Magnify Internship Program proves that commitment and is just the beginning of what this region offers.