If you have questions about the program, please contact seiphr@colleensflowercellar.com so that our Internship Program team can assist.
FAQs
A. How do I participate in the Summer Internship?
All students interested in the Internship program must apply in order to participate.
Students that have participated in previous years must submit a new application. Dona Ana County will not consider applications from previous years.
B. Who is eligible to participate in the Summer Internship?
15 year old through 2024 high school graduates
15 year old interns will need to complete a Work Release form prior to beginning work. A Work Release form will be provided to you after we receive your application, during onboarding.
Participants in the internship must be able to submit proof of their legal right to work in the United States.
C. What is Onboarding?
All students must complete what is referred to as Onboarding prior to your scheduled orientation.
Onboarding is the process in which we gather documents required for employment/participation in the student internship program.
Onboarding will provide you with important information. Completing Onboarding is critical to ensuring a smooth start to your internship.
You will receive an email request to complete Onboarding after your application has been successfully submitted and reviewed by a member of the Student Internship team.
D. What are I-9 supporting documents and which ones do I bring to Orientation?
I-9 supporting documents prove you are eligible to work in the United States. The NMPED Student Internship Program requires all participants to be able to prove their eligibility to work in the Unites States.
You can find a list of Acceptable Documents HERE. Employees may present one selection from List A, OR a combination of one selection from List B and one selection from List C.
Please note that we can only accept original documents. We cannot accept copies.
E. What is Orientation and what do I need to bring to Orientation?
Orientation is our first opportunity to meet—but it is also our opportunity to give you the information necessary for a successful Internship experience.
We will cover: goals of the internship program, our expectations of our Interns, policies and procedures, how to track your time and get paid.
We will also verify your original I-9 documents during Orientation. Please note that we only accept original documents – we cannot accept copies without seeing the original. Please refer to the List of Acceptable Documents HERE.
F. When do I start work?
The orientation schedule is pending, but interns may begin work when their orientation is complete and the necessary paperwork has been turned in.
G. Where will I be placed?
After receiving your application, the Student Internship Team makes every effort to match an intern with a placement based on their interests listed on the application. However, placements rely on availability and are on a first-come-first serve basis. If you have a specific organization/placement that you are interested in interning with, please be sure to list that on your application.
H. Placements with additional requirements – and what you need to know
There are several placements that require additional documentation, such as daycares and medical centers. Daycares may require a background check, which will require a signed consent form beforehand.
Medical centers have their own onboarding process for all interns/volunteers/etc that they allow in their facility and will need to be complete prior to beginning your internship.
The process for background checks and medical center packets will be provided once placement is confirmed.
I. How many hours can I work?
The Internship program is for up to, and not to exceed, 160 hours.
Only 20 hours on a non-school week and not to exceed 20 hours.
Up to 8 hours daily, not to exceed 8 hours in a day.
Hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
J. Are there any jobs I may not be able to work?
Yes! Please see here for the list of jobs/environments that NMPED Interns do not work:
The Student Internship Team makes every effort to match an intern with a placement based on their interests listed on the application. However, placements rely on availability and are on a first-come-first serve basis.
Reach out to your assigned coordinator if you are unhappy with your placement. Do NOT contact other coordinators. Placements must be arranged by the Student Internship Team.
If you are having trouble with your placement, or have concerns, please reach out to your Coordinator.
L. Who to contact if . . .
I have a problem with my onboarding/I9 documents/Work Release? Please contact the Student Internship Team at seiphr@colleensflowercellar.com.
I have a question/problem with my timesheet/clocking in and out/paycheck? Please contact your Coordinator.
I'm unable to reach my coordinator. Please contact the Student Internship Team
The County will hire internship coordinators to facilitate the program and support the student interns and their internship supervisor and organization.
The application for Coordinators has now closed. Thank you for your interest!
Business Partners
The application for Business Partners has now closed. Thank you for your interest!
The County will pay the salary and cover the liability and worker’s compensation insurance for the intern.
The opportunity to develop the next generation of employees and team members through career exploration and professional mentorship.
The ability to spark interest in your profession and build relationships with Doña Ana County students.
Provide a student with an engaging, fun, and life-impacting experience.
