The program dates are June 2-August 1 for Parks & Recreation interns and June 9-August 1 for all other participating departments and the application deadline is March 31.
Applications now open for the 2025 RISE Internship Program
Hillsborough County high school students looking for hands-on experience in government operations can now apply for the 2025 RISE Internship Program. The Redefining Internships for Student Empowerment (RISE) program provides local high school juniors and graduating seniors with a unique opportunity to gain real-world skills by working within various Hillsborough County departments.
What is the RISE Program?
RISE is an eight-week paid internship during summer break that allows students to:
- Learn about Hillsborough County government and its functions
- Gain a deeper understanding of their assigned role
- Shadow experienced employees
- Develop skills that will be valuable for future careers
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the RISE program, applicants must:
- Be at least 16 years old and reside in Hillsborough County
- Be a current Hillsborough County Public School student
- Have a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Submit a copy of their report card and two references with the application
- Be available for the entire eight-week program
Participating departments
Interns may be placed in a variety of Hillsborough County departments, including but not limited to:
- Aging Services
- Children's Services
- Code Enforcement
- Conservation & Lands Management
- Emergency Management
- Fire Rescue
- Fleet Management
- Head Start
- Human Resources
- Library Services
- Parks and Recreation
- Pet Resources
- Public Utilities
- Public Works
- Sunshine Line
How the program works
Each intern is assigned a department and a supervisor who will provide guidance and support throughout the internship. Supervisors will mentor participants, evaluate their progress, and help them navigate their roles successfully. The program includes personalized learning experiences designed to empower students, helping them realize their potential in County government while building valuable resume credentials.
Professional Development Courses
RISE interns will also participate in a series of skill-building courses, such as:
- Interviewing Skills
- Personal Finance
- Professionalism
- Resume Development
At the end of the program, each intern will present an overview of a project they assisted with or a recommendation for improvement within their assigned department.
How to apply
Interested students can apply online. Additional resources, including a video featuring past RISE participants and internship flyers in English and Spanish, are available to help students understand the program.
Key dates
- Application deadline: March 31, 2025
- Applicants are notified of application status in May 2025
- The program dates are June 2-August 1 for Parks & Recreation interns and June 9-August 1 for all other participating departments.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable work experience and explore potential career paths in Hillsborough County government. Apply today and take the first step toward your future.