Workforce Development & Internships
Put your skills to work in real professional settings. Our internship program connects trained participants with mentored work experiences that launch careers.
Launch Your Career — It's FreeFrom Training to Career Launch
The Workforce Development & Internships program is the capstone of the MLK Gandhi Empowerment Initiative. Participants who have built their skills through our Navigator and Warp Training programs are placed in real professional environments where they gain hands-on experience, build their portfolios, and develop workplace competencies alongside mentors and industry professionals.
Participants are embedded in real professional environments from day one. Expect to contribute to real projects, solve real problems, and leave with professional references and career-ready experience.
Real Experience. Real Results.
Professional Work Placement
Get placed with an employer partner in a structured internship where you contribute to real projects alongside experienced professionals.
Dedicated Mentorship
Work under the guidance of an assigned mentor who provides ongoing feedback, professional development coaching, and career advice.
Portfolio-Ready Projects
Build a portfolio of real work products you can showcase to future employers — proof of what you can do, not just what you studied.
Professional Network
Develop lasting relationships with industry professionals, fellow interns, and community partners that extend beyond the program.
Professional References
Earn references from supervisors and mentors who can speak to your skills, growth, and work ethic — a critical asset for job seekers.
Career Transition Support
Receive ongoing support as you transition from intern to employee — including job search strategy, interview prep, and placement assistance.
The Internship Experience
Onboarding & Orientation
Meet your mentor and team, review your internship plan, set up your tools, and align on learning goals and deliverables for the placement.
Guided Project Work
Begin contributing to real projects under close mentor supervision. Apply the technical skills you learned in Warp Tech Training to professional tasks and workflows.
Independent Contribution
Take increasing ownership of tasks and deliverables. Collaborate cross-functionally, attend team meetings, and build your professional presence.
Portfolio Development
Document your work products, compile your project portfolio, and refine the materials you'll use to demonstrate your skills to future employers.
Career Transition & Presentation
Present your work to stakeholders, receive final evaluations, and transition into job placement support with updated resume, references, and a clear next step.
Built for Emerging Professionals
The Workforce Development & Internships program is open to participants who have completed our Career Skills Accelerator. It's designed for adults in the greater Seattle and King County area who are ready to apply their skills in professional settings and take the final step toward launching their career.
This program is ideal if you are:
Common Questions
Do I need to complete the Career Skills Accelerator first?
It's recommended but not required. Completing Warp 10 or the Bootcamp gives you the strongest foundation for success in a professional placement, but participants with equivalent skills and experience are welcome to apply directly.
Where are internships located?
Placements are with employer partners throughout the greater Seattle and King County area. Most internships are in-person, giving you direct exposure to professional workplace environments and team dynamics.
How long is the internship?
Internships run 8–12 weeks, with a total commitment of approximately 160–200 hours. Your schedule is coordinated with your placement site and program coordinator.
What happens after the internship ends?
You'll leave with a professional portfolio, references, and career transition support. Many participants move directly into employment — either with their host organization or through our network of employer partners.
Ready to Launch Your Tech Career?
You've built the skills. Now build the experience. Our internship program connects you with real employers, real mentors, and real opportunities — at no cost.