The Office of Educational Partnerships is responsible for the central coordination of the following student employment programs:

The DOI Diversity Intern Program offers internship opportunities throughout the U.S. Department of the Interior to college and university students. Through cooperative agreements with DOI non-profit partners recruit, screen and pay a stipend to students from American Indian Institutions, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and some major institutions. The DOI Diversity Intern Program Fact Sheet provides detailed information on the program.

The DC Passport to Work Program is designed for District of Columbia residents between ages 14-20 and is funded jointly by the DC Government and the U.S. Department of Labor. The Federal agencies' role is to provide students with meaningful work experiences that incorporate education and training activities.

THE DC/Federal Summer Jobs Initiative is a supplemental program to the DC SUMMER WORKS program that targets students ages 18-21. Participating agencies are responsible for paying the salaries of the participants, who are expected to work a minimum of six weeks. Agencies conduct their own hiring and interview process, with referrals from the DC Department of Employment Services.

The Office of Educational Partnerships has also partnered along with neighboring schools. Such as Ross Elementary School, Melvin Sharpe School, and Steven Health School. We also have a Disability Program here in the Department of the Interior.

Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities is a resource for employers nationwide to identify qualified temporary and permanent employees from a variety of fields. Applicants are highly motivated postsecondary students and recent graduates eager to prove their abilities in the workforce.

What Does the Program Offer Employers?

• Job candidates pre-screened through face-to-face interviews
• Information about each applicant's qualifications
• Referral pools tailored to specific job requirements
• Access to candidates across the nation, by state or job category
• Flexibility in hiring for summer internships or permanent positions
• Opportunity to identify outstanding interns for permanent staffing needs
• Freedom to conduct independent interviews after referrals are made

What Can Summer Interns Do for Your Business?

• Undertake special projects postponed for lack of time or resources
• Assist permanent staff with key projects
• Share specialized knowledge and innovative technical skills
• Assume responsibilities of staff on vacation or leave of absence
• Prove that qualified people with disabilities make excellent employees
• Contribute in a wide variety of areas, including business, human resources, communications, engineering, science, computer science and administrative support

How Does the Program Work?

Annually, trained recruiters conduct personal interviews with interested students on college and university campuses. From these interviews, a database is compiled containing information on more than 1,500 college students and recent graduates seeking temporary or permanent jobs.