For Immediate Release:         
April 13, 2022
          
Contact:         
Cassie Nichols
Cassie.Nichols@ks.gov

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Launch of State of Kansas Internship Program Portal 

~~Internship Portal Will Provide an Additional Outlet to Recruit Talent to State Agencies and Boards~~ 

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the launch of the State of Kansas Internship Program online portal. It will be a one-stop resource for Kansans interested in serving as interns for the State of Kansas.  

“This is a great opportunity for talent from across the state to gain the experience and training needed to step into the workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It is also an opportunity for our state agencies and boards to recruit, train, and retain talent to fill jobs that can become long-lasting and rewarding careers.” 

With an expanded scope, dedicated program resources, and enhanced recruitment efforts, the State of Kansas Internship Program will reach students across the state, partner with educational institutions, and assist all agencies in identifying, placing, and training interns. The goal of the State of Kansas Internship Program will be to expose interns to public service and state operations and to develop a pipeline for state recruitment.  

“The State of Kansas Internship Program will assist prospective interns with finding the right fit for their interests based on the wide variety of career fields the state offers,” Secretary of Administration DeAngela Burns-Wallace said. “Interns will be exposed to the value of public service, and state agencies will gain the fresh perspective and energy that interns can bring.”  

“Research shows time and again that students who hold internships are more likely to gain full-time employment and earn more over the course of their career,” Jennifer Nigro, Director of Employer Relations and Internships for the University of Kansas, said. “Internships help students apply learning, expand skills, grow their networks, and explore career paths, all while building their resume. That’s why students across the University of Kansas are strongly encouraged, and in the School of Business now required, to complete at least one internship.”  

Recruiting events have been scheduled at educational institutions throughout the state. Interns will represent diverse demographics and potentially include undergraduate and graduate students, high school students, adult learners, transitioning military veterans and post-retirement individuals. Diversity will be a critical piece of recruitment efforts.  

“Work-based learning experiences and employer engagement are significant elements of the evidence-based JAG model,” Chuck Knapp, Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas President (JAG-K) and CEO, said. “We appreciate Governor Kelly’s support of JAG-K and the Department of Administration’s partnership in enhancing internship opportunities for our students across the state.” 

Internship opportunities will be offered year-round, and the first professional development events will begin in June.  

Prospective interns may view and apply for open internship positions at https://admin.ks.gov/internships.