DCSD Key to Career Program signs 77 new interns
Nearly 80 Darlington County School District (DCSD) students committed to paid internships recently during the district’s Spring Intern Signing Day. The event, marking the beginning of yet another round of paid, real-world work experiences for students, was held inside the Conference Center of Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology.
Fifty-two business partners from around Darlington County and the Pee Dee committed this semester to hiring and guiding the DCSD student interns in fields of work spanning healthcare to public service and welding to mortuary science. These 12-week paid internships are part of the district’s exciting Key to Career program, which is focused on preparing students for the workforce immediately upon graduation of high school and fostering partnerships with the local workforce to support the district and local economy.
In all, 77 DCSD student interns signed pledges with 52 organizations, nine of which are new to the Key to Career cohort of industries. Additionally, 12 students are completing a second internship with some of these organizations.
Dr. Shannon Flowers, DCSD’s business engagement coordinator, oversees the Key to Career program and described her excitement for the spring intern class.
“These internships give students the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience what their future careers can truly look like,” Flowers said. “Our business partners are not only providing employment opportunities but also mentorship and guidance that help students build confidence, develop skills, and gain a clearer vision for life after graduation, all while supporting our local economy. This is an incredible accomplishment for our students, schools, and community, and one that is truly worth celebrating.”
The student interns underwent soft skills training as well as official job interviews with business partners as part of the Key to Career program. They will now begin their three-month employments which also include ongoing job training, observations and assessments.
DCSD is still looking for additional business partners to ensure each student seeking an internship can find an opportunity. If you are interested in partnering with Key to Career to give a student valuable, real-world work experience, please contact Flowers via email at shannon.flowers@darlington.k12.sc.us.
Since the Key to Career program launched in 2019, interns have earned approximately $647,000 in wages through thousands of hours of work with local businesses and industries.