The Redefining Internships for Student Empowerment (RISE) Program equips high school students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in public service

Hillsborough County, Fla. (July 28, 2026) - Hillsborough County will hold a special graduation ceremony to celebrate the students who successfully completed Hillsborough County's 2026 RISE Internship Program, which stands for Redefining Internships for Student Empowerment.

The ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 30, at the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33602.

The RISE Internship Program is an eight-week, paid summer opportunity that provides Hillsborough County high school juniors and graduating seniors with meaningful, hands-on experience across a variety of County departments. Throughout the program, students work alongside County professionals, gaining practical skills, exploring career paths, and learning how local government serves residents every day.

Preparing Students for Future Careers

Each participant is paired with a department supervisor who provides mentorship, guides daily work assignments, and helps students develop professional skills while completing real projects that support County operations.

As part of the program, students also participate in professional development courses covering interviewing skills, resume development, professionalism, and personal finance.

During the program, interns complete an innovation project highlighting how they contributed to or recommended an enhancement within their assigned department, giving them an opportunity to showcase the knowledge and experience gained throughout the summer.

Participating departments include Aging Services, Children's Services, Code Enforcement, Conservation & Environmental Lands Management, Fire Rescue, Fleet Management, Head Start, Human Resources, Parks & Recreation, Pet Resources, Water Resources, Public Works, and Sunshine Line.

For more information about program and how to apply, visit HCFL.gov/RISE

  • Who: RISE Program graduates, County staff, and program leaders
  • What: RISE Internship Program Graduation Ceremony
  • When: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2026
  • Where: Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33602