NAF is Pleased to Introduce the Internship Gold Standards

What defines a quality internship opportunity for youth? All too often, Academies were left on their own to answer this question leading to inconsistencies in the way internships were developed and implemented. To help academies build internship programs that enrich the students learning experience NAF convened a task force of representatives from 25 organizations from across the country to establish criteria for high quality internship opportunities for high school students. Each organization represented on the task force has significant experience in workforce development.

The product of their fine work is 10 standards for youth internship programs. Going forward, NAF will integrate these standards into all internship tools and materials so Academies can incorporate them into each internship experience. This document lays out a vision for high school internships, and will drive our work to support you in implementing them.

We are grateful to the Career Academy and Internship Task Force members who shared their expertise and framed this information, employers who participated in focus group sessions, and to the James Irvine Foundation for their for the generous support of this endeavor.

Download a one-page overview of the Internship Gold Standards

Download the Internship Gold Standards

If you have questions or comments, please contact Bernie Sheridan, Senior Director of Internships, at bsheridan@naf.org or internships@naf.org.