0
The V.I. Dept. of Labor on Thursday announced a year-round expansion of the Labor Investing for Tomorrow (LIFT) program following a commitment from Governor Albert Bryan to fund the effort with $500,000.
The LIFT Summer Internship Program was established in 1989, and serves as one of the most prominent work experience/internship programs in the territory, according to the release. The program is a component of the Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP) that provides college juniors and seniors with eight weeks of work experience. LIFT interns are exposed to the workforce in the Virgin Islands and placed with employers related to their future career interests, motivating them to stay or return home, the Labor Department said.
"In its 33rd year, LIFT is excited to expand the work experience from only the summer, to throughout the calendar year," D.O.L. said. "While obtaining hands-on experiences in their fields of interest, interns will also participate in a wide range of activities including workshops, radio appearances, competitions, and an in-person meet and greet with former LIFT Interns."
Former LIFT intern J’Nique Ronan Spencer stated, “Working as a LIFT intern at the Department of Health under the Chronic Disease Management Program has been a monumental experience for me that has helped to enhance my interest and skills as a future Public Health leader.”
The Labor Department said it is now accepting online applications for Fall 2022 placements. Eligibility criteria are as follows: Interns must presently be a college senior, recent graduate, or a graduate student; must have a minimum GPA of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale; 90 credits and must be between the ages of 18 – 25, inclusive.
The Fall 2022 program length is 12 weeks, with interns working for up to 30 hours weekly. Interested students must complete the LIFT application available online at www.vidol.gov/youth. In addition, applicants must submit an official transcript and a required essay before the application deadline of August 12th , 2022.
If you have any questions regarding this information, email [email protected] or [email protected] or contact our offices on St. Croix at (340) 773-1994 ext. 2205 or 2202 or St. Thomas at (340) 776-3700 ext. 2080.

