Local Teens Gain Real-World Skills in Fierce Internship Market

The competition for internships is intensifying nationwide, with a recent report indicating that each posting in 2025 attracted an average of 109 applications, nearly doubling from the previous year. In response, Fayetteville is actively addressing this challenge through its ICON Summer program. This summer, 95 local students are participating, with 14 interns serving across various city departments and two in the fire department. These six-week paid internships are a joint effort between the city and Cumberland County Schools, designed to enhance post-graduation job prospects. Participants like Jeremiah Foster are gaining hands-on experience, such as digitizing historical photos for the fire department, finding the opportunity immensely educational. Recent graduate Jerry Cunningham is honing marketing skills and building essential soft skills like leadership and communication. The program extends beyond job training, incorporating financial responsibility lessons on managing budgets and understanding credit. Officials highlight that these internships not only benefit students but also assist departments in developing targeted recruitment strategies for younger demographics, fostering a mutually advantageous pipeline.