JOHNSTON COUNTY, NC — JOCO WORKS is calling on local businesses to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workforce by serving as internship hosts for the JOCO WORKS NOW summer initiative.
JOCO WORKS NOW is a structured summer work-based learning (WBL) program that connects Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 11th- and 12th-grade students with local employers for immersive, hands-on professional experiences. A collaborative partnership between area chambers of commerce, local employers, and JCPS Career & Technical Education (CTE), the program is designed to create a direct talent pipeline for the Johnston County economy.
The JOCO WORKS NOW framework is designed to move beyond traditional mentorship by serving as a direct investment in the Johnston County economic landscape. Participating businesses gain access to fresh perspectives and additional capacity for summer projects while simultaneously cultivating a pipeline of high-caliber North Carolina professionals. This collaboration ensures that local industry has a front-row seat in shaping the talent that will eventually lead the region’s workforce.
Upcoming Information Session
Interested business owners and hiring managers are invited to attend a virtual information session to learn more about host benefits and responsibilities:
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Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
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Time: 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
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Access: Zoom Meeting Link (The session will be recorded for those unable to attend.)
Important 2026 Deadlines
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March 31: Deadline to review the Internship Host Guide and complete the Employer Interest Form.
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April – May: Student applications and interviews conducted.
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May 15: Internship placements finalized and secured.
Completing the interest form does not obligate a business to host an intern; it serves as an initial touchpoint for the JOCO WORKS team to discuss how a student can best support specific business needs.
The JOCO WORKS suite includes three programs: WOW, PRO, and NOW.
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WOW is an industry-led initiative, supported by education, business, civic, and government partners, to address our community’s workforce needs. The program culminates in a curriculum and in-person career exposition tailored for 8th-grade students.
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PRO is a half-day intensive designed for 10th-grade students to prepare for work-based learning opportunities. Students attend workshops on topics such as interviewing and workplace best practices, led by local employers.
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NOW is a partnership between local chambers of commerce, area employers, and Johnston County Public Schools Career & Technical Education (CTE) to provide structured summer work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for students.
Media & Inquiry Contacts:
For more information, or to request the Internship Host Guide , please contact:
Brooke Woodard: brookewoodard@johnston.k12.nc.
BriAnna Walker: briannawalker@
Triangle East Chamber of Commerce
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BriAnna Walker Talent & Leadership Development Manager
- March 10, 2026
- (919) 934-9166
- Send Email
