OPT-IN: Opportunity Internship
Opportunity Internship (OPT-IN) is an 8-week exploratory program for recently graduated high school seniors. This program begins in June (post high-school graduation) and involves 3 important pieces: Work Experience, Mentorship + Professional Development.
Interested in signing up?
Are you a Class of 2026 Senior?
Are you a Burke County Public Schools Student?
Are you interested in gaining work experience and learning about local career pathways?
Deadline to apply is March 15. Sign up today, spots are limited!
Questions?
OPT-IN 2025
BY THE NUMBERS
Employers:
OPT-IN to Opportunity
OPT-IN connects your business with local talent at no cost, while helping you grow your workforce pipeline.
01
Host a Paid Intern at no cost this Summer
02
Grow your future workforce
Train Local Talent
03
Grow with
mentorship.
Becoming an OPT-IN mentor lets you make a real impact by supporting a young person’s first steps into the workforce. Share your experience, build meaningful connections, and help shape the future of local talent.
Lead. Support. Empower. Grow.
OPT-IN Participant Resources
“This program is yet another way for a student to find their niche and a reason to stay in school, get that all-important high school diploma and get a jumpstart on starting their career journey.”
Cheryl Shuffler, Burke County Public Schools
Meet Chris
Chris graduated from Draughn High School in 2022, and joined the OPT-IN: Opportunity Internship program as an intern with Meridian Specialty Yarn Group. After successfully completing his internship, he was offered a full time job as a machine operator. Through Chris’ hard work and dedication at his new job, he was able to purchase his own cell phone and car, both of which are well deserved! We are so proud of you Chris, and can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve in the future!
Watch this video!
This program is a partnership between:
