A replicable inclusive internship model for the civic sector

Solution
The Partnership for Inclusive Internships
Organization
AHRC New York City and the New York City Department of Social Services Office of Disability Affairs
Country of Implementation
United States of America
Region
North America
Start Year
2019
First published
03.12.2024

AHRC NYC’s PII program creates public-sector opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By 2024, 174 internships led to 45 hires across NYC, state, and federal agencies.

The image shows a diverse group of five individuals in a professional setting, likely a conference or office room. A woman stands at the head of the table, appearing to address or present to four colleagues who are either seated or standing attentively. The group includes individuals of different ethnic backgrounds and genders, promoting themes of equality and inclusion. The background features large windows with a view of a cityscape, suggesting a collaborative environment. The scene subtly emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and diversity in the workplace.
The Partnership for Inclusive Internships creates employment pathways in NYC´s public sector

Solution details

People

Hannah Millson Website
“The internship led to me becoming an AmeriCorp member working for the NYC Department of Administrative Services. During the transition, the PII programme has continuously been in contact with me to see if they can help me in any way. They are a great programme.” Matthew Gerbino, PII former intern, NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities

AHRC New York City, a DPO supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, partners with New York City (NYC) to create inclusive internships and employment pathways in the public sector for people with disabilities. The Partnership for Inclusive Internships (PII) helps government agencies build inclusive workplaces. By mid-2024, 14 NYC agencies, along with state and federal bodies, had joined PII. From 2019 to 2023, 174 internships were organized, resulting in 45 hires.

Problems Targeted

The programme addresses the lack of inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities within NYC government agencies.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The Partnership for Inclusive Internships (PII) is a collaboration of AHRC NYC and government agencies of New York City to provide structured internship opportunities within the public sector for people with disabilities, NYC being the largest employer in the New York Metro region. Internships are customized to meet the needs of both the host agency and the intern. Interns are identified and supported by partner organizations with disability-specific expertise, such as the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Yachad/Jewish Union Foundation, the Lighthouse Guild, and the City University of New York. Each internship includes over 320 hours of work experience, with interns receiving over 50 hours of additional training and support. The programme includes an orientation checklist, internship description form, project tracker, and evaluation forms for supervisors, interns, and partner organizations to ensure a structured and supportive experience. The programme also provides in-depth support that includes work-readiness workshops and benefits counselling for each intern. PII placed 37 interns in 2019, 20 in 2020, 31 in 2021, 28 in 2022, and 58 in 2023. The model has since been replicated in 14 additional government agencies across the NYC region as well as in the Capital District of New York State, expanding internship opportunities into state government agencies.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

After initial funding by the Taft Foundation, the NYC Mayor’s Office for Talent and Workforce Development contracted PII at $750,000 over three years to expand the programme to additional city agencies. Several neighbouring local governments have also expressed interest in replicating the PII model. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Media

Pictures

The image shows a diverse group of five individuals in a professional setting, likely a conference or office room. A woman stands at the head of the table, appearing to address or present to four colleagues who are either seated or standing attentively. The group includes individuals of different ethnic backgrounds and genders, promoting themes of equality and inclusion. The background features large windows with a view of a cityscape, suggesting a collaborative environment. The scene subtly emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and diversity in the workplace. The Partnership for Inclusive Internships creates employment pathways in NYC´s public sector
The image shows a diverse group of five individuals in a professional setting, likely a conference or office room. A woman stands at the head of the table, appearing to address or present to four colleagues who are either seated or standing attentively. The group includes individuals of different ethnic backgrounds and genders, promoting themes of equality and inclusion. The background features large windows with a view of a cityscape, suggesting a collaborative environment. The scene subtly emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and diversity in the workplace. The Partnership for Inclusive Internships creates employment pathways in NYC´s public sector

Related information

Connections
2

Solutions with the same:

Country of Implementation

United States of America

Region of Implementation

North America