Frederick County Executive Announces New STEM Internship

It’s designed to help STEM companies find qualified employees.Frederick Md (KM) A new internship program is being launched in Frederick County. During a public information briefing Thursday morning, County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said the Discover STEM Internship Program will show off the local science, technology, engineering and mathematics industries, and help these companies attract more talented employees. “The professional, scientific and technical services industry remains the top growing industry sector in our county by a landslide, with Frederick County developing as a hub in the life sciences field,” she said.Fitzwater said the 10-week program is designed to broaden the pool of candidates for the STEM firms, while exposing participants to experiences which are unique to Frederick County. “On average, there are over 200 job postings per month in health care and technical professions, 150 postings in computer sciences, and over 50 for both architecture and engineering and life sciences,” Fitzwater says.Students will take part in professional development workshops, as well as an exploration events such as tours, hikes and networking opportunities.  .The STEM program will recruit up to 30 students from area colleges and universities. “Our county Workforce Services will provide recruitment outreach to enable businesses to recruit at select universities throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington DC, including historically black colleges and universities,”; says Fitzwater.This initiative  is a collaboration of the County’s Office of Economic Development and Workforce Services, in partnership with Hood College and Visit Frederick. “The Discover Frederick STEM Internship Program stems from the Growth Opportunity Strategy–or the GO Strategy that was launched in 2018–which included a priority in generating, retaining and attracting a skilled workforce,” says Katie Stevens, the Director of Workforce Development and Agriculture, with the Office of Economic Development.The 10-week program takes place from June 3rd to August 12th, 2023. The deadline to apply is April 28th. For more information, go on line to www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/STEMinterns, or call Workforce Development Strategist Mariel Fedde at 301-600-2754, or MFedde@FrederickCountyMD.gov.The cost to companies who want to enroll a student is $400 per student.  An expanded program offers workshops and events, as well as housing and meals  on the Hood College campus.  The College can house up to 15 students at a cost of $3,300 per student.By Kevin McManus