University of Michigan Invites Departments to Host SummerWorks Interns for the 2026 Program
The SummerWorks initiative is calling on University of Michigan (U-M) offices and departments to take part in their 2026 summer internship program. This program provides local youth with valuable work experience over a 10-week period, running from June 15 to August 21.
SummerWorks caters to young individuals aged 16-24 who either live or attend school in Washtenaw County. This initiative exemplifies a joint effort between U-M, Michigan Works! Southeast, and the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development to offer supportive career environments for local youth.
According to Kathleen Clancey, SummerWorks program manager, “SummerWorks strives to ensure all young adults in Washtenaw County have access to a supportive environment as they begin their careers.” She further highlighted U-M’s significant role as the county’s largest employer, stating, “Last year, 13 U-M departments hosted interns, and we hope to place even more interns on campus this summer.”
The previous year marked a decade of SummerWorks’ commitment to workforce development, during which 96 young adults participated in paid internships. Interns earn between $15 and $17 per hour, influenced by their educational qualifications, and are expected to work a minimum of 16 hours weekly. The total cost for hosting an intern ranges from $3,000 to $3,400 per U-M unit over the 10-week span.
One employer from 2025 expressed, “The benefits of having a SummerWorks intern are immeasurable. You have youth from diverse backgrounds, and it’s fun having young folks in the office. There are people who have been here for a long time. Young people and our interns are fresh; they bring a fresh perspective, and remind me why I do what I do.”
Interns gain critical skills through the program, with one U-M intern mentioning, “SummerWorks is an excellent program that teaches skills we are able to use in a professional environment. We learn how to build a resume, a professional LinkedIn profile, and more about professionalism and different types of workplace attire. Everything is helping us build skills for the future.”
Besides hosting interns, U-M staff have the chance to mentor SummerWorks youth, dedicating as little as one hour weekly with support from SummerWorks staff. Informational sessions are available from February 13 to March 11, offering further insights into the program. For inquiries, contact SummerWorks at syesupport@umich.edu.
Morgan Cox, program coordinator, commented, “Connecting young adults to the University of Michigan is just the beginning. Through internships and mentorship, we are investing in local youth and talent. We are helping prepare them to step into a diverse workforce with the confidence, skills and purpose that it takes to thrive.”
Founded in 2016 by the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, the Summer Youth Employment Program aims to promote equitable access to quality job opportunities, impacting local youth positively. Since 2017, U-M’s Poverty Solutions has partnered closely with the program, offering professional development, internships, and networking opportunities. Collaborations with Michigan Rehabilitation Services are in place to enhance accessibility for all participants.
