Summer 500
Savannah Summer 500 is a community-wide workforce initiative designed to connect local high school students with meaningful, paid summer jobs while helping businesses meet hiring needs.
Led by Alderwoman Carol Bell, the City of Savannah, Chatham County, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, and the local business community, the program aims to place up to 500 rising 11th and 12th-grade students in paid summer internships.
The program focuses on:
- Real-world work experience: Students work 4–6 weeks in local businesses or nonprofits
- Workforce development: Participants build job skills, professionalism, and confidence
- Employer support: Businesses gain access to motivated, entry-level talent
- Community impact: Strengthens Savannah’s long-term workforce pipeline
Students also participate in pre-employment training to prepare for the workplace, ensuring they are ready to contribute from day one. Summer 500 is about more than summer jobs—it’s about preparing Savannah’s future workforce while supporting today’s employers.
We Need Your Business at the Table
Make a commitment today to hire at least one high school student this summer. Your participation helps shape the next generation of Savannah’s workforce while delivering real value to your organization.
Sponsor a Summer 500 Student—Make a Lasting Impact
If your business is unable to host a Summer 500 intern this year, you can still play a powerful role in shaping Savannah’s future workforce.
By sponsoring a Summer 500 student, you help provide a life-changing, paid work experience for a Chatham County high school junior or senior placed with a local nonprofit organization. Your support directly funds a student’s wages—opening the door to real-world experience, professional skill-building, and meaningful mentorship.
- $2,500 sponsors one student for the full 8-week program
- $500 supports essential workplace training for participating students
Make an impact this summer—sponsor a student and help change a life. For more information, email Erica Backus or call 912.644.6405.
Student Resources
If you are a student looking for summer employment. Click below for access to the Student Workforce Apprenticeship Program.