Internships and Volunteering

About

The City of Coral Gables values the contributions made by students of all ages and backgrounds and is continuously seeking bright innovative, results-oriented individuals to join our internship programs. There are paid and non-paid internship opportunities depending on the department’s needs and budget. Internships are designed to provide the participants with the opportunity to apply academic skills to on-the-job assignments within the city.

Internship Program

This program has been developed to provide high school, college, or graduate students with the opportunity to gain both academic and practical experience working in local government. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the City of Coral Gables and the exceptional services it provides to the community. All volunteers are required to undergo a background prior to the approval of a volunteer assignment.

Volunteers

A “volunteer” is anyone, who without compensation performs a task at the direction of and on behalf of a City department. A “volunteer” must be cleared by the Human Resources Department and be officially approved by a City department prior to performing any task and/or interacting with participants. Volunteers are not considered paid employees of the City of Coral Gables but are covered under the City’s Workman’s Compensation Program while performing volunteer assignments on behalf of the City. The City of Coral Gables complies with the Florida Drug-Free Workplace Program. All volunteers are required to undergo a background and drug screening prior to the approval of a volunteer assignment. All volunteers must be a minimum age of 15.

Additional Internship and Volunteering Programs

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Page Internship Program

Application Forms:

Overview

  • This is a selective program. Up to five students will be selected each summer with a preference for Coral Gables residents.
  • Eligible high school students may complete an application.
  • Each student will submit an essay – “Tell us about your interest in Government.”
  • It is a three (3) to four (4) week program.
  • Students will be eligible for community service hours.
  • Deadline to submit the 2024 application is Monday, June 3.

Assignments

Interns must complete the following assignments:

  • Legislative Report: This report should cover key topics discussed during at least one Commission Meeting.
  • Internship Report: This report is a 3-5-page assessment of the City of Coral Gables’ government processes and addresses general areas for improvement. The report should include:
  1. Summary of internship experience 
  2. Observations 
  3. Areas of improvement 
  4. General conclusion
  • Final Presentation Project: Interns will deliver a final group PowerPoint presentation with fellow interns during a City Commission Meeting which summarizes their internship report and overall experience. 
  • Improvement Survey: At the end of the internship, students will complete an exit survey so that we can continue to improve the Page Internship Program.

Students who successfully satisfy all requirements and complete the Page Internship Program will be awarded an official city Certificate of Participation and will be acknowledged during a City Commission Meeting. 

For questions, please call 305-460-5304 or email the Mayor’s Office Chief Community Engagement and Policy Advisor: Chelsea Granell at cgranell@coralgables.com.

Coral Gables High Cavaliers Internship Program

Application Documents

Overview

  • This is a selective program and up to five incoming seniors from Coral Gables High School will be selected each summer with a preference for Coral Gables residents.
  • Eligible Coral Gables high school students can complete an application on the city website.
  • Each student will submit an essay – “Tell us about a time you had to ask for help”
  • Each student will interview with the School and Community Relations Committee. 
  • It is a three (3) to four (4) week program.
  • Deadline to submit the 2024 application is Monday, June 3.

Assignments

Interns must complete the following assignments:

  • Legislative Report: This report should cover key topics discussed during at least one Commission Meeting.
  • Internship Report: This report is a 3-5-page assessment of the City of Coral Gables’ government processes and addresses general areas for improvement. The report should include:
  1. Summary of internship experience 
  2. Observations 
  3. Areas of improvement 
  4. General conclusion
  • Final Presentation Project: Interns will deliver a final group PowerPoint presentation with fellow interns during a City Commission Meeting which summarizes their internship report and overall experience. 
  • Improvement Survey: At the end of the internship, students will complete an exit survey so that we can continue to improve the Cavaliers Future Leaders Internship Program.

Students who successfully satisfy all requirements and complete the Cavaliers Future Leaders Program will be awarded an official city Certificate of Participation and will be acknowledged during a City Commission Meeting. In addition, each student will receive a letter of recommendation signed by a member of the City Commission.

For questions, please call 305-569-1824 or email the Senior Commission Liaison: gquintana@coralgables.com