Each year, Local Government Academy’s unique workforce development initiative, the Municipal Intern Program (MIP), introduces graduate and undergraduate students to careers in the public sector. The program is designed to showcase the diversity of job opportunities available in local government, attracting top-notch talent from our world-renowned colleges and universities. This year, the MIP Class of 2022 is showing us that today’s students have high expectations for themselves and their employers.

With 16 separate projects underway this summer, we have an energetic cohort of students who are laser focused on gaining work experience and advancing their technical skills in preparation to hit the ground running at graduation. Without exception, these young adults are eager to learn more about what it is that local governments do.

As the Municipal Intern Program is a competitive program, prospective placement sites have their work cut out to develop a summer project that will provide a meaningful experience for the student. This year, intern opportunities reflect the vast responsibilities of local government, such as protecting the environment, enhancing mobility, and mitigating blight.

The projects completed by the interns will have long-lasting impact, advancing community goals long after the summer internship is over. For instance, Marshall Township’s “Water Quality Screening & GIS Updates”, and Turtle Creek Valley COG’s “Mitigating Blight through Technology, Code Administration and Workforce Development”, are examples of proactive approaches to data collection and analysis necessary to address significant community issues.

The Municipal Intern Program emphasizes the importance of local government in working toward healthy and vibrant communities. If you think your community could benefit from this program, let us know by emailing [email protected] or by calling me at 412-357-6449.

– Joy