More than 30 local students spent summer break gaining work experience and building professional skills thanks to the Career Ready Tempe program, which matches students with Tempe businesses for a six-week paid summer internship.

This year, 18 businesses participated as internship host sites, which doubled last year’s number. This allowed for 31 student internships, which nearly triples last year’s participation, according to a press release.

Now in its fifth year, the program helps prepare and develop Tempe youth to participate in the future workforce through an internship and soft skills training provided by Arizona@Work and Arizona State University’s Edge program. Students are also matched with College Connect Tempe advisors who can provide guidance on career and educational goals.

Career Ready Tempe is a collaboration between the city of Tempe and Tempe Chamber Foundation with funding provided in part by the Arizona Department of Education.

The program has been designed to align with industry needs and the initiatives of Achieve65Tempe, the city’s goal of 65% of Tempe’s adult population accessing post-secondary education, resulting in a certification to an advanced degree by 2030.

“Our youth are our future, and by giving students opportunities to grow and develop, we are creating our own bright future for Tempe,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods shared in a statement. “With this program, teens are gaining hands-on experience while serving local businesses and our greater community.”

Students and businesses were honored at a graduation ceremony with a special recognition plaque and heard from Woods, Rio Salado College President Dr. Kate Smith, and Tempe Chamber Chair-Elect Suzy Greenwood.

“By combining resources and introducing our high schoolers to the business community, the program leaves a positive impact on tomorrow’s workforce,” Tempe Chamber President and CEO Colin Diaz stated. “The program helps them discover a passion for a career path while creating a talent pipeline for Tempe companies.”

Student participants came from all six Tempe Union High School District schools, as well as James Madison Preparatory School and the East Valley Institute of Technology.

This year’s participating businesses were Arizona Tax Advisors, Access ASU , Bike Saviours, FABRIC Tempe, Hazen & Sawyer, Hercutech, Homecoming, Landings Credit Union, Lindsay Quigley Sapanaro State Farm Insurance Agency, Mathnasium, NMG Aerospace, Printing Specialists, city of Tempe Community Arts, city of Tempe Facilities, Tempe City Council, Tempe Chamber of Commerce, Vestar and Wilson Electric.

Student and business applications for next year’s program will open in January.

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Tempe student interns at Tempe Community Arts.