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 enrolled at WSU Vancouver during spring or fall 2026.
  • Be available to complete a 200-hour internship between June–August 2026.
  • 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 Action 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
  • 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
  • PointNorth Consulting Inc.
  • Port of Vancouver
  • 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 Farmers Market Association

  • 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 Consulting Inc.
  • 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

Future Leaders Project FAQs

An internship is a chance for students to get hands-on experience in a job related to their career interests. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), internships let students gain real-world experience, build connections in their chosen field, and allow employers to get to know potential future employees.

Internships offer several benefits, including:

  • Real-world experience: Gain skills that help you stand out after college.
  • Explore careers: Try out different paths to find your best fit.
  • Mentorship: Work with professionals who can guide your growth.
  • Networking: Expand professional connections that open doors to future opportunities.

Common fields include Business Development, Community Outreach, Data and Research, Digital Marketing, Human Resources, IT, and Project Coordination. Specific opportunities are discussed during your interview.

Most internships are in Clark County, though some may be in Cowlitz County or Portland.

Most internships are either fully in-person or hybrid. You can discuss your interest in hybrid or remote work during your interview.

Internships typically require 20 hours a week for 10 weeks (June–August). Final details are settled during the interview or at the time of the job offer.

You may be able to earn credit, but you must talk to your academic advisor first. If approved, you will enroll in an internship class and pay tuition for the credits.

After the application deadline, you will interview with the FLP team to discuss your goals. We then match you with fitting opportunities; if an employer likes your profile, they may invite you for a second interview.

Yes, you can participate in FLP more than once as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

No. If the opportunity isn’t the right fit, you may politely decline the offer.

While not guaranteed, many internships lead to full-time roles or valuable networking connections that help secure a job after graduation.

Reach out to Bill Stahley at bstahley@wsu.edu or call 360-546-9273.