Alachua County Launches 5th Year of TeensWork Summer Internship Program

Businesses can request teen interns at no cost through the program funded by The Children's Trust

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The TeensWork Alachua summer internship program is kicking off its fifth year, providing paid work opportunities for youth ages 14-18 enrolled in Alachua County schools. Businesses can request interns at no cost to the company, with The Children's Trust funding the payroll. Last year, 270 teenagers worked 133 hours on average for 125 business partners, many of whom were employed for the first time.

Why it matters

The TeensWork Alachua program aims to give local youth valuable work experience, job skills, and financial literacy training, while also providing businesses with enthusiastic and capable interns. By investing in the next generation, the program strengthens the community and helps prepare young people for future careers.

The details

Through the TeensWork Alachua program, businesses can request teen interns to work up to 17 hours per week at $14 per hour, with the payroll funded by The Children's Trust. The program is open to public, charter, private, virtual, and GED-equivalent students in Alachua County. Last year, 270 teenagers were placed with 125 business partners, with half of the teens working their first job. The program runs over the summer, and businesses have until April 30 to request an intern.

  • TeensWork Alachua is kicking off its fifth year in 2026.
  • Businesses can request teen interns until April 30, 2026.

The players

The Children's Trust of Alachua County

A community organization that funds the TeensWork Alachua program, providing almost $1 million in support.

Goodwill North Florida

The organization that coordinates the TeensWork Alachua program, handling recruitment, payment, HR, and career training for the participating businesses and teen interns.

Marsha Kiner

The executive director of The Children's Trust of Alachua County, who described the TeensWork Alachua program as a "launching pad" that invests in the community's future.

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What they’re saying

“TeensWork Alachua (TWA) isn't just a summer internship, it's a launching pad. Teens gain practical skills, confidence, and connections that prepare them for who they're becoming in the world. By helping young people think critically as they enter the workforce, this program invests in strong, engaged citizens and in our community's future.”

— Marsha Kiner, Executive Director, The Children's Trust of Alachua County (alachuachronicle.com)

What’s next

Businesses in Alachua County have until April 30, 2026 to request a teen intern for the upcoming summer through the TeensWork Alachua program.

The takeaway

The TeensWork Alachua program provides a valuable opportunity for local businesses to support and invest in the next generation of workers, while also giving teenagers meaningful work experience and job skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.