Future Leaders Project

Empowering First-Generation and Underrepresented Students

The Future Leaders Project, a collaboration between Workforce Southwest Washington, Columbia River Economic Development Council, and WSU Vancouver, connects first-generation college students and those who have experienced longstanding inequities and exclusion with paid summer internships.

This initiative aims to provide students with valuable work experience, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits for selected students:

  • Competitive pay: Earn $19/hour
  • Work experience: Complete at least 200 hours (approximately 20 hours/week) during the summer.
  • Mentorship and networking: Gain access to additional resources and support to enhance your career growth.

Employer host sites:

The following employers from Clark County have hosted internships for the Future Leaders Project in previous years:

  • Columbia River Economic Development Council
  • PointNorth Consulting Inc.
  • Workforce Southwest Washington
  • Columbia Bank
  • Columbia River Economic Development Council
  • Edgefi
  • PointNorth Consulting Inc.
  • TwinStar Credit Union
  • Workforce Southwest Washington
  • Bridgeview Resource Center
  • Columbia Bank
  • Columbia River Economic Development Council
  • Greater Portland Inc.
  • High Tech Council
  • Identity Clark County
  • Port of Vancouver USA
  • Workforce Southwest Washington
  • Clark County Food Bank
  • Columbia River Economic Development Council
  • Edgefi
  • Fourth Plain Forward
  • Greater Portland Inc.
  • Pacific Power Group
  • Partners in Careers
  • Point North Inc.
  • Port of Vancouver USA
  • TwinStar Credit Union
  • Verdant Web Technologies
  • YWCA Clark County
  • Association of Science Communicators
  • Building Futures Foundation
  • Clark County Food Bank
  • Columbia River Economic Development Council
  • C-TRAN
  • Edge Networks
  • Enterprise Mobility
  • Fourth Plain Forward
  • Greater Portland Inc.
  • Greater Vancouver Chamber
  • Hello Life Eating Disorder Recovery Services
  • Johnson Bixby
  • Matrix Roof & Home
  • Nut-Tritious Foods
  • Partners in Careers
  • PointNorth Consulting Inc.
  • Port of Vancouver
  • Southwest Washington Contractors Association
  • TwinStar Credit Union
  • Vancouver Farmer’s Market

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the Future Leaders Project, applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
  • Identify as a first-generation college student or come from a community facing longstanding inequities and exclusion.
  • Be a junior or senior enrolled at WSU Vancouver during spring 2025 or fall 2025.
  • Be available for a 200-hour internship between June and August 2025.
  • Commit to participating in leadership and professional development activities offered by the project.
  • Be eager to gain professional experience, expand their professional network, and contribute a diverse perspective to the local business community.

Application

Apply to the Future Leaders Project

Application checklist

To apply, submit the following by end of day Sunday, March 9:

  • Completed application
  • Cover letter
  • Resume

You can submit your resume and cover letter electronically through the application form or via email at van.career@wsu.edu.

If you need help completing your application, visit the Career Action Center website or call 360-546-9155 to speak with a career counselor.

Timeline

  • January: Application opens
  • March 9: Application deadline
  • April – May: Application review and interviews with candidates
  • May: Hiring decisions announced
  • May: Intern orientation
  • June: Internships begin (dates may vary by employer)
  • August: Internships conclude (dates may vary by employer)
  • September: End of Summer Celebration

Contact us

For questions about the Future Leaders Project or the application process, please email van.career@wsu.edu.

Reflections from past Future Leaders Project interns

Maddie Hennerty: Summer 2024 Intern

Navleen Kaur: Summer 2024 Intern

Joseph Reyes-Hernandez: Summer 2023 Intern

Erika Gonzalez: Summer 2023 Intern

The Future Leaders Project is supported by PY24 allocations of $206,682 (65% of total) U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration federal funding and $109,947 (35% of total) non-federal funding from the J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation