Inclusive Internship Design: Evidence From the New York Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) on Building Social and Cultural Capital in Workforce Development

Internships are critical tools for workforce development, offering opportunities to bridge the gap between education and employment. However, access to internships and the benefits they confer are not distributed equitably, often favoring students from privileged backgrounds. This study examines how internships can be (re)designed to foster social and cultural capital among underrepresented young adults, particularly through mentorship and tailored professional development. Drawing on qualitative data from interviews and focus groups conducted with participants in the New York City Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), the study highlights how internships can uncover hidden talents, build career self-efficacy, and reshape deficit-based perspectives. The research explores the challenges young adults face in navigating these programs, including limited agency in placement decisions and systemic inequities in access to paid opportunities. Grounded in frameworks of social and cultural capital, particularly Yosso’s community cultural wealth model, the findings emphasize the transformative potential of internships when designed to value diverse forms of capital and lived experiences. The study concludes with recommendations for human resource development practitioners, educators, and policymakers to create more inclusive internship programs that not only address systemic barriers but also empower young adults to thrive in diverse work environments. This research underscores the importance of internships as tools for equitable workforce development and social mobility.