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Resilience Cayman has launched a Youth Internship Program connecting Caymanian students seeking work experience with businesses in need of support as the local economy reopens.

Resilience Cayman organizer Ms. Jan Gupta said the new program was aligned with Resilience Cayman’s mission to build social and economic resilience in the Cayman Islands, even in the midst of crisis: “As our economy begins to reopen, we believe this program will offer meaningful work experiences for local students and help them afford their education, while also supporting businesses after the COVID-19 shutdown,” she said.

Resilience Cayman is a community initiative supported by the Chamber of Commerce formed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative is focused on a broad range of assistance programs with its aim to create food security, strengthen the local economy and support the self-empowerment of Cayman society.

Mr. Ray Hydes, a volunteer advisor for Resilience Cayman said, “We recognize that many companies who normally take on summer interns might not be in a position to do so this year and saw the chance to connect those students with new opportunities. Many small and medium sized businesses would like to sponsor interns but don’t have the resources to manage the intern recruitment and administration. Resilience solves that for business owners by taking on those responsibilities.”

Students will be placed with local businesses or with Resilience Cayman for full-time or part-time work. Within Resilience, interns will work in teams to support its four community initiatives: Food Support, Financial Coaching, Wellness Program, and Farm Direct.

The program is open to all Caymanian students over the age of 18, from any full-time or part-time educational program, who may be facing financial hardship in continuing their education. The application deadline is June 15, 2020. Spaces are limited. All student interns will receive an educational grant of $600 upon completing the program.

In addition, through a partnership with the International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI), any current ICCI students taking part in the programme will be able to earn course credits for their participation. Dr. Byron Coon, President of ICCI said the program would offer valuable work experience for students while giving back to the community.

“ICCI is a student-centered institution that is committed to teaching, mentoring, and forming partnerships based on corporate social responsibility. Participation in the Resilience Cayman Youth Internship Program will allow ICCI students the opportunity to help rebuild a strong and prosperous Cayman, while employers help mentor, develop, and foster employment skills outside of the classroom.” Dr. Coon said.

The Youth Internship Program will run from July 1 to September 15 2020 and those interested in taking part are asked to complete the application form available on www.resilience.ky under the Youth Internship Program.

Interested ICCI students should reach out to their advisor to learn more.

Local businesses interested in participating in the Youth Internship Program should register at www.resilience.ky under the Youth Internship Program.