New Mexico to offer up to 3,000 paid high school internships next summer
New Mexico will offer up to 3,000 paid summer internships for high school students in 2026, expanding a statewide program focused on high-demand career fields.
State expands Summer Enrichment Internship Program with focus on high-demand careers
Organ Mountain News report
Meta description: New Mexico will offer up to 3,000 paid summer internships for high school students in 2026, expanding a statewide program focused on high-demand career fields.
SANTA FE - New Mexico high school students will have access to as many as 3,000 paid summer internships next year under an expanded state program aimed at connecting students with hands-on experience in high-demand career fields.
The New Mexico Public Education Department announced Tuesday that its Summer Enrichment Internship Program, launched in 2021, will grow through a new statewide coalition led by Education at Work. The eight-week paid internships will focus on career pathways identified by the Department of Workforce Solutions, including health care and technology.
“Students from every corner of our state can explore careers, gain hands-on skills and chart a path to a meaningful future,” Public Education Secretary Mariana Padilla said in a statement.
Education at Work Chief Executive Officer Jane Swift, a former Massachusetts governor, said early work experience is becoming increasingly important as automation and artificial intelligence reshape entry-level jobs.
“As AI and automation transform the nature of first jobs and early career experiences, students need to graduate not just with an education, but with practical, hands-on work experience,” Swift said.
Additional partners include American Student Assistance and the Work-Based Learning Alliance. American Student Assistance will provide career exploration tools, structured learning activities and program management, while the Work-Based Learning Alliance will use its technology platform to guide students through program activities and a final reflective project.
According to research cited by American Student Assistance, fewer than half of Gen Z students feel they have enough information to choose the right path after high school. Although nearly 80 percent of high school students say they want work experience before graduating, only 34 percent are aware of available opportunities, and just 2 percent have completed an internship.
New Mexico employers — including small businesses and companies with operations in the state — are invited to participate by hosting paid high school interns. Employers interested in the program can email nminterns@eaw.org for more information.
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