Paid Internships Drive Dramatic Gains in College Completion

The program model pairs eight weeks of intensive technical training with year-long corporate placements. In 2025, the organization supported 2,161 students who collectively earned $10.9 million in wages and $2.2 million in scholarships. Beyond initial enrollment, the benefits persist; program alumni complete bachelor’s degrees at 2.4 times the rate of their peers. Notably, 26% of these graduates secure degrees in STEM fields, far outpacing the 9.1% rate typical for students from low-income high schools.

Economic outcomes for alumni remain robust years after graduation. Seven or more years into their careers, former participants report an average income of $67,000, with 73% earning more than at least one parent and 20% achieving homeownership. CEO Byron V. Garrett argues that as artificial intelligence disrupts entry-level hiring, these early professional networks are essential for students who lack traditional career access points. Corporate partners appear to agree, with 92% of internship managers stating that the students consistently meet or exceed professional expectations.