Future Leaders Project

Expanding access to career-building, paid internships

The Future Leaders Project, a partnership between Workforce Southwest Washington, the Columbia River Economic Development Council and WSU Vancouver, offers paid summer internships with local employers that build skills, expand networks and provide meaningful professional experience.

All students are encouraged to apply, especially those who may have faced extra challenges on their path to college such as being the first in their family to attend or coming from a low-income background.

Benefits for selected students:

  • Competitive pay: Earn $19/hour
  • Work experience: Complete at least 200 hours (approximately 20 hours/week)
  • Mentorship and networking: Build your network and receive career guidance

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the Future Leaders Project, applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
  • Be a junior or senior at WSU Vancouver at the time of application.
  • Be available to complete a 200-hour internship between June and August.
  • Commit to participating in project leadership and professional development activities.
  • Be eager to gain professional experience and expand their network.
Questions?
Email Address van.cb@wsu.edu
Phone 360-546-9155
Locationlocated in the lower level of the Student Services Center, just past the Bookie

Timeline

  • January: Application opens
  • March 13: 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

Application

The application is now closed. The 2027 application will open in January 2027.

Application checklist

  • 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 Center website or call 360-546-9155 to speak with a career counselor.

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

  • ALS Northwest
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington
  • City of Vancouver
  • Clark County Food Bank
  • Columbia Credit Union
  • Columbia River Economic Development Council
  • C-TRAN
  • Greater Portland Inc.
  • Greater Vancouver Chamber
  • LEAD North LLC
  • Love Overwhelming
  • Outsiders Inn
  • Partners in Careers
  • PointNorth
  • Port of Vancouver
  • Southwest Washington Contractors Association
  • Summit Truck Body
  • The Bioforge
  • The Foundation WA
  • The Nutter Family Foundation / Dozer Day
  • Vancouver Farmers Market Association
  • WSU Vancouver
  • YWCA Clark County

  • ALS Northwest
  • Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Washington
  • Bridge City Contracting
  • City of Vancouver
  • Clark County Food Bank
  • Columbia Credit Union
  • Council for the Homeless
  • C-TRAN
  • Fourth Plain Forward
  • Fuel Medical Group
  • Greater Portland Inc.
  • Greater Vancouver Chamber
  • Killian Pacific
  • Latino Leadership Northwest
  • LEAD North LLC
  • Mysti’s Adult & Family Services
  • North County Community Food Bank
  • Outsiders Inn
  • Pacific Die Casting
  • Port of Camas-Washougal
  • Port of Vancouver
  • Riparian Media
  • Vancouver Farmers Market Association

Reflections from past Future Leaders Project interns

Hear from past interns about their experiences in the Future Leaders Project.

Martha Rodriguez: Summer 2025 Intern
Maddie Hennerty: Summer 2024 Intern
Joseph Reyes-Hernandez: Summer 2023 Intern
Navleen Kaur: Summer 2024 Intern

Watch additional internship testimonials from interns and employers, curated by Workforce Southwest Washington.

Future Leaders Project FAQs

Internship opportunities vary each year based on participating employers. Previous Future Leaders Project internships have included roles in:

  • Business Development
  • Community Outreach
  • Data and Research
  • Digital Marketing and Social Media
  • Economic Development
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Project Coordination

Available opportunities will be shared with eligible applicants during the interview process.

Most internships are located in Clark County, though some opportunities may be available in Cowlitz County or Portland. Depending on the employer, internships may be fully in person or hybrid. If you have questions about a position’s work arrangement, you can ask during the interview process.

Internships typically require about 20 hours per week for approximately 10 weeks during the summer, totaling at least 200 hours. Some employers may offer flexible schedules or slightly different timelines based on their needs. Your specific work schedule will be discussed during the interview process or after you receive an internship offer.

You may be able to earn academic credit for your internship. Talk with your academic advisor to determine whether your internship qualifies. If approved by your academic department, you will enroll in the appropriate internship course and pay tuition for the credits.

After the application deadline, the Future Leaders Project team reviews applications and invites selected students to interview. During the interview, you’ll discuss your career interests, skills and goals. Based on those conversations, the team matches students with internship opportunities that best fit their interests and qualifications. Employers may then invite candidates for a second interview before making hiring decisions.

Yes. You may participate in the Future Leaders Project more than once, as long as you continue to meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

No. If you decide an internship is not the right fit, you may decline the offer. If you choose not to accept an offer, it is courteous to notify the employer promptly and thank them for the opportunity.

Some internships may lead to full-time employment with the host organization or help you build professional connections that lead to future opportunities. While employment is not guaranteed, internships provide valuable experience that can strengthen your resume and professional network.

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.