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Small businesses feeling the tight labor market's pinch can turn to a new source of relief, at least during the summer months. This year, for
the first time, the National Academy Foundation, a nonprofit group that gives career training to disadvantaged public high school students, is
seeking small-business owners to participate in its paid summer internship program.
In the past, most of the employers taking part in the program have been large corporations. But this year, organizers decided that students
could benefit from exposure to the world of entrepreneurship, too. "It's an important part of students' education to see what they can do -- the
possibilities of owning their own businesses," says Robin F. Willig, a spokeswoman for the New York City-based group.
BASIC TRAINING. The foundation has worked with schools and businesses to establish about 350 career academies in high schools in 37
states and the District of Columbia. Some 26,000 students who have enrolled take courses in one of three areas: finance, travel and tourism, or
information technology. They also receive training in basics such as business etiquette.
Earlier this year, the foundation teamed up with the U.S. Small Business Administration to find small companies to participate in its programs,
including its summer internships, which typically last four to six weeks and must pay at least the minimum wage. Among the small-company owners
who have sought out student elbow grease are an insurance broker, a tour-bus operator, and the owner of a small Internet service provider.
Anyone who wants more information can contact their district SBA office, which is listed in the blue pages of the telephone directory.
By
Pamela Mendels
in New York
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