Mentored Internship Program

Youth in foster care struggle to access internship opportunities, creating even fewer opportunities when searching for full-time employment. The Foundling’s Mentored Internship Program places youth in foster care with The Foundling into internal internships within The Foundling, building their experience and career readiness.

The New York Foundling’s Mentored Internship Program offers paid internship placements and soft skills training to young people in foster care. These young people have a significant need for employment services – less than half of former youth in care are employed within four years of aging out of the foster care system. Each intern is individually matched with a mentor/supervisor, and through supported in-house internships in a range of departments at The Foundling, interns gain work experience, develop career skills, and overcome barriers to successfully complete the internship and prepare for success in future work opportunities.