Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gilpin County adopts paid internship pilot in Human Services with state‑reimbursed stipends
Summary
The board adopted a pilot paid internship program in Human Services (resolution 26‑038) allowing up to $12,000 to support two concurrent interns; funding is expected to be paid from state‑reimbursed "core funds," minimizing county cost.
Gilpin County commissioners on April 14 adopted a pilot paid internship program for the Human Services Department intended to expand student placements and aid recruitment.
Shanda Johnson, Human Resources Director, and Janie Barker, Director of Social Services, presented the resolution and said the county can host interns through Metro State University (Denver). Staff said paid internships are more attractive to students and could produce candidates for full‑time county positions. The pilot would allow up to $12,000 to fund two concurrent interns (for example, MSW students), with stipends drawn from state‑reimbursed core funds so the county’s net cost would be minimal.
Commissioners described the program as a potential model for other departments if successful. The motion to adopt resolution 26‑038 passed 3–0.
Staff noted internships typically run 400–500 hours and that the process is student‑led: interested students apply through the university portal. If the pilot succeeds, commissioners discussed expanding the stipend program to other county departments.
