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Kane County Jobs Committee begins review of internship policy and funding options
Summary
Committee members agreed to gather information and survey departments to update an outdated county internship policy, discussing paid versus volunteer internships and potential funding from riverboat funds, tuition reimbursement or other sources.
Madam Chair (name not specified) told the Jobs Committee on July 11 that the county’s internship policy is outdated and that the committee will begin assembling information and a new draft policy.
"There is actually a policy on internships that, is outdated," the chair said, noting the county currently runs both paid internships (which she said are required by county ordinance in some cases) and unpaid volunteer placements supported by partner institutions. The chair said staff members Jamie Liberllo and Cliff will help compile existing internship programs and that the committee will survey county departments to assess interest and funding needs.
Committee members discussed funding sources and equity concerns. Miss Strathman urged a paid internship program to avoid excluding residents who cannot afford unpaid work. Committee members proposed several possible funding options: using riverboat funds, tapping a tuition-reimbursement line for employees, seeking DCEO or workforce-development grants, or asking colleges (including Elgin Community College) to partner for summer internships.
Officials also noted administrative issues: some elected offices already run internship programs, and volunteers currently go through an existing volunteer process. The committee did not adopt a policy at the meeting; members said the matter will return to the Jobs Committee and the Human Services Committee for further work and that staff will circulate a departmental survey and draft policy language at a later meeting.
