Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc. is offering local high school students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 accommodations, or medical documentation the opportunity to participate in paid, six-week summer internships with area businesses.

To be eligible, students must be between 14 and 21, and currently attend Warren County Technical School, Warren Hills Regional High School, North Warren Regional High School, Hackettstown High School, Belvidere High School, Phillipsburg High School, Newton High School, Hopatcong High School, Lenape Valley Regional High School, Mt. Olive High School or West Morris Regional High School. They must be returning to high school in September.

The program will provide the opportunity for students to explore and identify a career of interest and intern with an employer for six weeks. Students who apply must:

• commit to working 15-20 hours a week during the internship
• have transportation to and from job sites
• be able to work independently at the job site with employer supervision provided
• be willing to follow employers’ COVID-19 guidelines

The internships are funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and offered through Abilities Pre-Employment Transition Services.

Opportunities are available in several different industries, including retail, health care, personal services and hospitality.

“Abilities is extremely excited to be able to offer this grant funded internship program to area students. Transition services and exploring careers is a valuable service for students. The supports that Abilities provides can guide individuals to future success,” said Abilities CEO Cynthia B. Wildermuth.

Prior to the internship, students will be required to participate in orientation, take a soft skills assessment and participate in classroom instruction. Due to the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic, class instruction will be provided virtually through Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant Microsoft Teams.

This is third consecutive year that Abilities has been awarded the summer internship grant funding through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. In 2019, Abilities placed 23 students into internship opportunities. Seven of those students were offered employment upon the completion of their internships, seven additional students found other employment before the end of the grant period, and four students completed applications for jobs in their communities. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the program was canceled in 2020.

Abilities’ Pre-Employment Transition Services help students 14 years of age and older who have different abilities to be fully prepared for their future. Students receive individualized services designed to meet their needs, strengths, preferences, and interests.

Students and families who want more information about the summer internship program, and employers interested in having a summer intern within their business, should contact Karen Menke, Outreach and Care Coordinator, at 908-689-1118 or kmenke@abilitiesnw.com.