Power of Five Brings Paid Internships to COD

Power of Five Program Brings Paid Internships to College of the Desert Students

PALM DESERT – If you were one of those college students who had to complete an unpaid internship, you will understand the significance of this new program. The College of the Desert is unveiled its new Power of Five program at the 2024 Fall Career and Internship Fair on Oct. 2 and introduce this innovative initiative, which offers students paid internships at a competitive rate of $21 per hour. Through the program, five premier local businesses will provide 25 students with hands-on career experience, setting them on a path toward future success.

“Internships and hands-on work experience are a pivotal piece to helping students be prepared for their desired fields and to secure thriving wage jobs,” said Interim Superintendent President Laura Hope. “The buzz and excitement that you’d expect at a career and internship fair exist because students and employers know that the connections made that day could be life changing.”

Funded by the College of the Desert Foundation, the Power of Five program ensures that every participant receives a livable wage while allowing the participating employers to invest in potential future employees. This initiative also strengthens the College’s employment network and aligns with the goals of its Strategic Educational Master Plan (SEMP), providing students with more opportunities for work-based learning.

“We are proud to be able to work alongside College of the Desert to benefit the Coachella Valley,” Foundation Board Chair Diane Rubin said in a statement. “We also look forward to working more closely with local employers. Their participation is an investment in the community and the local workforce.”

In addition to the program’s launch, the Career and Internship Fair will feature over 40 employers, all eager to connect with students seeking internships and career opportunities. Students can network with potential employers, gain career insights, and enjoy food and prizes while setting themselves up for future success.

All students are encouraged to attend this exciting event and take advantage of the career-building opportunities available.

Whether students secure internships with employers featured in the Power of Five program or with other employers, they are setting themselves up for success.

For more details about the 2024 Fall Career and Internship Fair or the Power of Five program, please visit www.CollegeoftheDesert.edu.