Genesys Works

Genesys Works is a career program for high school students that pairs summer skills training with a paid corporate internship during senior year, plus college and career coaching. Students accepted spend eight weeks of the summer between junior and senior year in training, about 160 hours covering the IT skills used on the job along with professional skills such as interviewing, building a resume, teamwork and public speaking. After training, students can earn an entry-level internship with one of the organization's more than 245 corporate partners, working 20 hours a week through the school year, usually in four-hour afternoon shifts. Interns are paid by the hour at rates that vary by site; Genesys Works says total earnings over the internship year generally fall between $10,000 and $13,000. Placement is not guaranteed, and Genesys Works chooses the company based on each student's strengths, the company's needs and transportation options. Students provide their own transportation to training and work. Coaches also help with college applications and financial aid, and an alumni program continues support after high school. Genesys Works operates in the Bay Area, Chicago, Houston, Jacksonville, Nashville, the National Capital Region, New York City, Tulsa and the Twin Cities.

Students apply as high school juniors and must be on track to graduate, able to work in the U.S., and able to take a lighter class schedule senior year. Students at partner schools apply in the fall or winter of junior year, interview, and finish the process in the spring.