Cook County Internship Opportunities: Launching Careers and Strengthening Communities

Cook County offers a wide array of internship opportunities designed to empower individuals, particularly young adults, and contribute to the region's economic growth and community well-being. These programs span various sectors, from conservation and manufacturing to law and social services. They provide invaluable hands-on experience, skill development, and exposure to potential career paths. These internships not only benefit the participants but also address the needs of local businesses and organizations seeking motivated and skilled individuals.

Addressing the Skills Gap and Youth Disconnection

A significant challenge in suburban Cook County is the disconnection of over 33,000 young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 from both work and school. Simultaneously, employers often report a shortage of skilled workers. Internship programs like Opportunity Works directly tackle this issue by placing young adults in subsidized internships. These opportunities expose them to viable careers, expand their skill sets, and connect them with the necessary training and resources for long-term employment in growing industries. Opportunity Works, a collaborative effort between the Office of the President of Cook County and the Chicago-Cook Workforce Partnership, exemplifies this approach.

Success Stories: Transforming Lives Through Internships

The impact of these internship programs is evident in the success stories of participants. For example, Carl, through the Manufacturing Careers Internship Program (MCIP) Career Boot Camp, gained the skills and focus needed to pursue a sustainable career path aligned with his interests. His perseverance and willingness to learn led to continued success, instilling confidence in his career path and future. Such stories highlight the transformative potential of internships in empowering individuals to achieve their professional goals.

Diverse Internship Programs Across Cook County

Cook County offers a diverse range of internship programs catering to various interests and skill sets:

Conservation Corps: These programs provide paid, hands-on conservation experiences to residents of Cook County. Summer youth programs, lasting 4 to 6 weeks, are open to residents aged 14 to 19 and include job readiness training, physically active service work, and nature-based recreation. Participants receive transportation and service clothing. Conservation Corps also offers adult employment programs focusing on technical skills and certifications for careers in conservation. The Forest Preserves mobilize participants to heal and nurture the land.

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Law Student Volunteer Internship Program: The Law Office of the Public Defender offers law students and recent graduates the opportunity to learn about the criminal and juvenile justice systems through volunteer internships. These programs are available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, providing placements in various divisions within the office.
Judicial Extern Opportunity Program: The Office of the Chief Judge offers law students an off-campus externship to experience the day-to-day operations of the state court system. Externs perform tasks such as file evaluation, legal research, and preparation of memoranda, working alongside staff attorneys or directly with a judge.
Adult Probation Department Internship Program: This two-semester program is designed for advanced master’s students in social work, psychology, and related fields. Interns develop clinical skills in a court-based mental health unit serving probationers with severe and persistent mental illness. They conduct mental health screenings, assessments, and treatment plans, provide interventions, and analyze relevant data under the supervision of licensed clinicians.
Social Service Internship Program: The Social Service Department offers internships for bachelor’s and master’s degree students interested in the criminal justice system. The program combines classroom orientation with experiential opportunities, allowing students to gain an understanding of the role and responsibilities of caseworkers. Interns manage a small caseload, complete assessments, develop casework plans, prepare court documents, and train with professional staff.
Public Guardian Internship Program: The Office of the Cook County Public Guardian offers internships in its Juvenile, Adult Guardianship, and Domestic Relations Divisions. Law clerks work under the supervision of experienced attorneys, developing their legal skills and incorporating the values of the Divisions.

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Program Specifics and Requirements

Each internship program has specific requirements and time commitments:

Judicial Extern Opportunity Program

Time Commitments: Determined by the supervising judge or legal staff, ranging from 2-5 days a week. The Summer Program requires a 6-week minimum and up to a 12-week maximum commitment.
Eligibility Requirements: Students must have completed the first year of law school in day or evening studies and be in good academic standing.
Application Process: Requires submission of documents by posted deadlines, followed by review, interviews, and prescreening tests including a background check and a drug test.

Adult Probation Department Internship Program

Time Commitments: Interns must attend a four-day orientation program and work a minimum of two full days per week, completing at least 200 hours or meeting their school's internship requirement.
Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduate students must have completed two years of studies with a minimum GPA of 2.5 overall and 2.75 in their major.
Application Process: Requires permission from the college’s internship coordinator, submission of transcripts, a résumé and cover letter, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants are subject to criminal background checks.

Adult Probation Department’s Mental Health Unit Internship

Time Commitments: Interns must attend a four-day orientation program and work a minimum of two, but preferably three full days per week, or meet their school's internship requirement.
Eligibility Requirements: Students must have completed one year of graduate studies and have a minimum GPA of 3.25.
Application Process: Requires permission from the graduate program’s fieldwork office, submission of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a résumé and cover letter, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants are subject to criminal background checks.

Social Service Internship Program

Time Commitments: Interns must attend a 5-6-day orientation and commit to working a minimum of two full days per week, completing at least 300 hours or meeting their school’s internship requirements. Weekends are available.
Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduate students must have completed two years of studies with a minimum GPA of 2.5 overall and 2.75 in their major. Graduate students must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
Application Process: Requires submission of an internship application, transcripts, a cover letter, a résumé, and two letters of reference.

Public Guardian Internship Program

Time Commitments: An 8-10 week commitment is required.
Eligibility Requirements: Any law student who has completed their first year is eligible to apply, with preference given to those with an interest in family law and strong legal research and writing skills.

Domestic Relations Division Judicial Externship

During the school year, externs are expected to commit at least 2 days per week for at least 15 hours per week. Summer judicial externships are a full-time, 40-hour / week commitment for a minimum of 10 weeks.

Winter Immersion Program

Typically occurs during the second week in January before classes resume. Outside of being a first-year law student, there are no prerequisites or requirements for an applicant.

OpportunityWorks: A Model for Youth Empowerment

OpportunityWorks exemplifies a comprehensive approach to youth empowerment through internships. This program focuses on young adults aged 16 to 24 and aims to bridge the gap between disconnected youth and growing industries. It provides subsidized internships, exposes participants to viable careers, expands their skill sets, and connects them to training and resources for long-term employment.

One notable initiative is the all-female cohort of OpportunityWorks focused on Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL), funded by Union Pacific. This 16-week program includes four weeks of paid internship, with classes held in person at South Suburban College.

Volunteer Opportunities: Supporting Vulnerable Populations

In addition to internships, volunteer opportunities play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable populations in Cook County. For example, volunteer advocates can review cases monthly or as needed, utilizing coaching techniques to ensure that volunteers are actively monitoring all appropriate aspects of their cases. These positions often require a bachelor’s degree (or current enrollment) in a related field, along with previous experience in child welfare/juvenile justice and volunteer administration. Knowledge of juvenile law, child abuse and neglect, families in crisis, and other social services skills is essential.

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