Each year, the Women’s Fund conducts the Compass Survey to measure how local workplaces are supporting women through leadership opportunities, equitable pay, caregiving benefits, and fair promotion practices. While the survey celebrates employers who excel, it also highlights areas where progress is still needed. One recurring challenge we heard from employers, especially in male-dominated industries, was recruiting and retaining young women for internships. Employers also noted the need for more professional development and “soft skills” training for the incoming workforce.
In response, the Women’s Fund launched a summer internship program designed to invest in young people entering the workforce while also equipping employers to build more supportive and inclusive environments. With the support of six pilot employers—Michelin, Fort Wayne Metals, Strahm Construction, Design Collaborative, Haller Colvin, and Burt Blee—nine students took part in our inaugural program.
By day, interns gained hands-on experience in their respective industries. On Monday evenings, they gathered for leadership development sessions covering topics such as Understanding Credit, Workplace Rights, Building Your Personal Brand, Civic Engagement, and Business Etiquette. Each intern was also paired with a mentor from the Women’s Fund who provided encouragement, professional coaching, and meaningful community connections.
The lessons we learned from this first year were powerful:
Mentorship matters: interns consistently named their mentor relationships as the most valuable part of the program.
You don’t know what you don’t know: many participants were exposed to professional skills and knowledge they had never encountered before, reminding us not to assume that young leaders arrive already prepared. And finally,
Growth comes with discomfort: as one male intern reflected, being the “only” in the room gave him new insight into the experiences of women in the workplace and how his actions could either support or hinder them.
The Women’s Fund Internship Program proved to be more than just a summer job—it was a bridge between generations, industries, and lived experiences. By investing in young talent and creating spaces for learning and connection, we are not only preparing the next generation of leaders, but also helping employers shape workplaces where women can thrive.