NEWS

The Summer 500 Program returns for 2026, uniting the City of Savannah, Chatham County, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, and the local business community to connect high school juniors and seniors with meaningful, paid work experience this summer.

Relaunched under the leadership of Carol Bell, the program aims to place up to 500 students in four- to six-week internships beginning May 27, 2026.

Summer 500 bridges classroom learning with real-world experience while helping employers meet immediate workforce needs. The students gain valuable skills through hands-on work and mentorship, while businesses benefit from motivated, eager team members ready to contribute.

We need your business at the table. Commit to hiring at least one high school student this summer and help shape Savannah’s future workforce. Participation is more than a summer hire—it’s a long-term investment in your workforce pipeline.

If you’re unable to host a student, you can still make an impact by sponsoring a student to work at a local nonprofit—another meaningful way to support the Summer 500 Program.

Click Here to Hire a Summer 500 High School Student

For questions, please email Erica Backus at the Chamber.