Menomonee Valley Partners launches unique internship introducing youth to in-demand careers
Milwaukee youth rotating through Valley engineering and architecture firms are learning about career paths, finding mentors, and gaining paid experience
The next great American architect or engineer could come out of the city of Milwaukee - once they learn about the opportunities that exist here. To get more young Milwaukee residents interested in the opportunities locally, Menomonee Valley Partners has taken five Milwaukee youth behind the doors of engineering and architecture firms in the Menomonee River Valley, giving them the opportunity to rotate between companies and positions so they can explore a wide variety of careers in which they are underrepresented. Exposure to these professions will help the students chart a future career path.
The Rotational Engineering Internship is a new, six-week, paid opportunity for high school students and recent graduates living in Milwaukee County to expand their interest in careers in architecture and engineering.
This internship is offered through a partnership between the City of Milwaukee’s Earn & Learn program, Menomonee Valley Partners, and Valley businesses:
The fact that women and BIPOC individuals are highly underrepresented in STEM-related industries is well known - in fact, a study conducted by the National Science Foundation revealed that 49% of those in STEM fields are white males. This can be a barrier deterring youth from entering these careers. The Rotational Engineering Internship seeks to grow the local pipeline and retain young talent by connecting youth with mentors in local companies in STEM industries.
The five Milwaukee area youth in this pilot program have already begun sharpening their skills. Students have been shadowing in offices and in the field with the participating firms, as well as meeting with government agencies involved in development. Meetings have ranged from a tour with environmental engineers at the Department of Natural Resources regional headquarters in the Valley to a personal presentation from Milwaukee Department of City Development Commissioner Lafayette Crump.
Interns with Commissioner Crump of Milwaukee Department of City Development
“I’ve enjoyed seeing all of the development that has been going on throughout Milwaukee and seeing all types of people come together to improve or add something new to our city. This internship has allowed me to connect with a lot of new and important people that I can come back to when I’m ready to build a career.”
Aalanianna meeting with Silvana Pobric, Project Engineer, at EMCS
Businesses also see the value in connecting with students and building the pipeline of homegrown talent.
“We believe learning takes place inside and outside of the classroom; internships provide students with a wealth of opportunities. Working with MVP and the amazing interns has not only taught us more about ourselves and our own personal growth, but how it is our duty and privilege to inspire, empower, and provide opportunity to Milwaukee’s youth.”
Interns working with structures with Harwood Engineering and Zimmerman Architectural Studios
Menomonee Valley Partners and Valley businesses have been inspired by the interns so far, and are already planning to grow this program next summer, while continuing to engage with this summer’s interns through the school year. There is much to learn by doing this together - businesses are learning from each other how to be stronger mentors, co-create job shadow opportunities, and further explore this model for getting local youth interested in other in-demand, professional careers.
The program has had so much interest that there are plans to continue to expand in the future.
“ Employers of the Menomonee River Valley desire to cultivate environments that attract women and students of color in high-demand careers in STEM. To build that workforce, they realize the value in engaging and inspiring their target audience. The Rotational Engineering Internship was a monumental first step.”
