SummerWorks – Paid Internships for Young Adults

NOTICE: Due to the high volume of interest, the participant waitlist for this program is now closed for 2025. (If you are an employer, please jump to the section below this one).

NEXT’s SummerWorks program offers 16–24-year-olds in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties a chance to gain paid, real-world experience through a 6-week internship each summer. The process includes applying, an interview and enrollment, work-readiness workshops, career exploration activities, and an employer interview before starting a 100-hour paid internship matched to career goals. Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, with applications opening in spring 2026. Afterward, participants may be eligible to continue career support through NEXT’s year-round WIOA program.

Interested in other NEXT services? Fill out an application here.

📩 Have questions? Reach out to us at summerworks@nextsuccess.org

Employers – Partner With Us This Summer

Located in Clark, Cowlitz, or Wahkiakum County?
Want to support local youth and help build the future workforce? Partner with NEXT to host a 6-week summer intern, and we’ll cover their wages at $18/hour!

Here’s how it works:

SummerWorks is a career readiness program that prepares youth through two weeks of job-readiness training, workshops, and career exploration activities before placing them in a 100-hour paid internship (WEX) with local organizations. Employers interview and choose their interns, while NEXT manages all documentation, onboarding, and ongoing support to ensure a successful match. If hosting an intern isn’t possible, employers can still participate by offering job shadows, worksite tours, or informational/mock interviews.

📩 Ready to get involved or want to learn more? Email us at summerworks@nextsuccess.org

Thank you to all our employer partners for empowering young people to build bright, independent futures!

Complete the Employers Sign-up Sheet and we will contact you within 3 business days.