The Strada Education Foundation recently extended the Kansas Micro-Internships Workplace Learning grant through the end of 2025, which will continue KCKCC students’ access to micro internships.
The Kansas Micro-Internships (KMI) program was created in February 2021 to support the Kansas Board of Regents’ Building a Future strategic plan and the Kansas Department of Commerce’s aim to connect businesses, job seekers, educational institutions and training providers to ensure the state’s workforce is equipped to meet industry needs and to help create economic success for Kansas.
“Micro-internships are a fantastic way for students to gain paid experience,” said Danielle Frideres, career services coordinator at KCKCC. “These short, project-based internships are offered in a variety of fields, can often be completed remotely and allow students to explore career options, gain experience and connect with employers in a way that fits into any busy student’s schedule.”
The 2025 KMI Workplace Learning grant program will increase the talent pipeline in Kansas by providing 200 short-term paid work projects for students currently enrolled in a certificate or associate degree program at no cost to the participating Kansas businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurs. Fifty of the projects will be provided for the Kansas Hospital Association and their members in which the students will be paid $360 to complete the online Agile Work Profiler (AWP), a short sequence of employability skill micro-lessons through Skillsline, an informational interview, a short research project/presentation and a reflection essay. All students will continue to have free access to the AWP and another 150 students will also have free access to the full set of Skillsline micro lessons.
“The Kansas Micro-Internship program is a huge win for Kansas employers who need help completing various projects, are looking to build their talent pipeline, or looking to ease their way into offering internships but may not have the time or resources for a traditional internship program,” Frideres said. “The grant covers the cost for up to five micro-internships (or more depending on grant funds) for Kansas employers who hire Kansas college students for the projects. The grant also takes care of all payments and paperwork through their partner, Parker Dewey, so employers are not burdened with hiring paperwork or payroll for micro-interns.”
Each participating Kansas community and technical college will receive a $5,000 subgrant to promote the 2025 KMI Strada grant program to their respective students and local employers. Each participating student will be paid $18 per hour for a maximum of $450 for completing each KMI approved work project for a Kansas business, nonprofit organization, or entrepreneur. Students can learn more about the program or register online.
For more information about the KMI Workplace Learning grant program at KCKCC, contact Frideres in Career Services at 913-288-7235 or at careerservices@kckcc.edu.