City officials are asking local businesses to help create Atlanta summer jobs.

Under the Mayor’s Youth Program, companies in Atlanta are able to sponsor interns for the summer free of charge. Internships will be offered from June 1 to July 24 to graduating seniors at Atlanta Public Schools.

“This internship program is designed to give students the opportunity to develop business skills and apply their knowledge in a real world environment as they work to achieve their dreams - and this year the city has a grant to pay their salaries,” Mayor Shirley Franklin said. “Through our strong partnership with the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the business community, we have had a great few years, and this year companies can sponsor an intern at no cost to the company.”

The program, which is in its fourth year, is organized by Franklin and the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency. The goal of the program is to encourage Atlanta area businesses to hire high school seniors who are planning to attend college for internships before they begin their college career.

“Businesses offering summer internships to Atlanta’s youth are providing students with an opportunity to grow and gain experience in an array of industries,” Tom Hough, area managing partner for Ernst & Young LLP and chair of the Chamber’s Atlanta Public Schools Committee, said. “And as a result, students will be better prepared for the next phase in their lives - whether it is the workforce, a community or a four-year college.”

“At Atlanta Public Schools, we can always rely on the business community to embrace our students,” Dr. Beverly L. Hall, Atlanta Public Schools superintendent, said. “Offering internships is another example of the community’s meaningful commitment to education and to the overall strength of our city.”

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