The City of Summerville is moving forward with a new summer internship program aimed at giving local students hands-on experience in municipal government.

At last month’s Summerville City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved five part-time summer internship positions. City Manager Jason Winters said the program would begin around the time school lets out and continue through the first week of August, lasting approximately eight weeks.

The internships are expected to give students the opportunity to work with city departments on seasonal projects and administrative support. Positions may be available in Administration, Police, Street, Gas, and Water departments, depending on the needs and approval of each department head.

Winters said the program could help introduce young people to city operations and possible career paths in public service. She also noted that the city would continue participating in school grant programs.

The program is expected to cost $17,600 and will be included in the approved city budget.

Council Member Zachary Martin asked about the eligible age group, and Winters said the program would be open to students age 16 and older, with some limitations on equipment use. Students from both local high schools, as well as homeschool students, would qualify. When asked whether college students could apply, Winters said the city would not be opposed to that.

Zachary Martin made the motion to approve the five part-time internship positions. Council Member Jeff Martin seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.