Top employers, including Community First Credit Union of Florida and Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, to provide paid internships for high school seniors
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 4, 2025 — Genesys Works, a national nonprofit that creates pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities, today announced that its first cohort of Jacksonville students is beginning year-long paid internships with leading employers across the region.
Through a partnership with Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), twenty-two rising high school seniors have completed Genesys Works’ intensive summer training and are now stepping into professional roles with companies including Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, Community First Credit Union, Mayo Clinic, Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, Goodwill Industries of North Florida, The Scarlett Group, and Wingard Marketing.
“From internships to job shadowing, Team Duval students have access to a wide range of career preparation opportunities that give them a competitive edge in tomorrow’s workforce,” said Jill Fierle, Director of Career and Technical Education for Duval County Public Schools. “We are committed to this mission and grateful to partners like Genesys Works, whose support helps make these opportunities a reality for our students.”
“At Community First, we’re committed to growing local talent and giving back to the communities we serve,” said Sam Inman, CEO of Community First Credit Union. “Our partnership with Genesys Works enables us to invest in young people who are ready to contribute and eager to learn. It’s a win for us and a win for them.”
“Continuous learning is one of our core values at Brooks Rehabilitation. We’re proud to be a part of a program that not only develops future talent but gives students real-world exposure to careers in health care,” said Doug Baer, president and CEO, Brooks Rehabilitation. “We’re excited about providing an opportunity for students to have a genuine impact on the business operations at Brooks.”
As part of summer training, students complete 160 hours of professional development in business technology and soft skills, equipping them with the confidence and tools needed to contribute meaningfully during their internships. Beginning this fall, they will work 20 hours per week and receive one-on-one and group mentoring from Genesys Works’ program team, who will provide comprehensive support with college applications, financial aid, and strategic career planning.
“An internship can be the moment a student reimagines what’s possible,” said Alex Rudnick, Executive Director of Genesys Works Jacksonville. “They gain confidence, develop a true sense of belonging in professional settings, and begin to see a future where they can thrive. For companies, that same investment strengthens their talent pipeline and builds a workforce ready for the opportunities of a growing Jacksonville.”
Since its launch in Houston in 2002, Genesys Works has served more than 11,000 young people and expanded to cities across the country, building a consistent track record of both short- and long-term impact. According to its most recent impact report:
- 90% of program graduates enroll in college (compared to 52% of their peers)
- Alumni earn a median income of $70,000 seven-plus years out of the program
- Two-thirds of alumni outearn at least one parent
To explore partnership opportunities, or learn how to support for Genesys Works, please contact Alex Rudnick at arudnick@genesysworks.org
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About Genesys Works
Genesys Works provides pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities. Our program consists of 8 weeks of technical and professional skills training, paid year-long corporate internships, college and career coaching, and long-term alumni support to move individuals out of economic inequality and into professional careers. Founded in 2002, Genesys Works now serves thousands of students annually in Houston, Chicago, Jacksonville, Minneapolis/St. Paul, the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington’s National Capital Region, New York City, and Tulsa. To learn more, visit genesysworks.org.
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Mona Tolbert
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