Oak Ridge launches internship program for spring 2025 with City departments

The Oak Ridge City Council meeting on March 10, 2025, highlighted the launch of a new internship program aimed at providing valuable government experience to local students. Lauren Gray, the city’s communication specialist, introduced the interns, who are participating in a structured program designed to give them exposure to various city departments.

The program includes an orientation where interns learn how different departments collaborate to serve the community. Following this, they rotate through departments to gain hands-on experience. Interns shared their positive experiences, emphasizing the learning opportunities and mentorship they received from city staff.

One intern expressed gratitude for the chance to work closely with professionals, stating that the experience has opened new career possibilities. Another intern highlighted their work on creating a city map book, while others noted their insights into law enforcement through their time with the police department.

The internship program aligns with college and high school schedules, starting in January for college students and in July for high school students. This initiative aims to foster future leaders in the community by providing practical experience in local government operations. The council expressed pride in the interns and their contributions to the city.