STLCC, Boys & Girls Clubs Launch Paid Student Internships
May 28, 2026
Posted by STLCC in News Resources
St. Louis Community College, in partnership with the St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP), operated by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, is launching two new paid summer workforce internship programs designed to prepare high school students for high-demand careers in manufacturing and biotechnology.
Beginning June 8 through July 31, the eight-week, full-time programs will provide participating interns with hands-on technical training, paid internship experience, college credit opportunities and industry-recognized credentials while introducing students to career pathways critical to the St. Louis regional economy.
The new internship programs include:
Manufacturing Occupational Skills Training (MOST)
MOST is designed for high school students interested in industrial occupations, advanced manufacturing, engineering and technical trades. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on technical training and direct industry exposure.
Participants may earn up to 10 college credits from and four industry credentials, including OSHA 10 certification and testing for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot license.
“MOST gives interns early exposure to advanced manufacturing while helping employers build a stronger talent pipeline,” said Becky Epps, manufacturing program manager with STLCC’s Employer and Workforce Solutions. “The program delivers hands-on training, credentials and real workplace experience aligned with industry needs across the region.”
The MOST program will be hosted at STLCC’s Florissant Valley campus Advanced Manufacturing Center. Students will be treated as employees throughout the paid internship experience while gaining professional workplace exposure and technical skills training.
Biotech Opportunities through Occupational Skills Training (BOOST)
High school students can build hands-on skills through paid STLCC internship programs in manufacturing and biotechnology.
BOOST is designed for students interested in careers in biology, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, laboratory science and plant science. Through hands-on laboratory instruction and industry-aligned coursework, students will develop foundational biotech skills, scientific literacy and career exposure within the rapidly growing bioscience industry.
Participants may earn five college credits from STLCC and four industry microcredentials through the Bioscience Core Skills Institute.
“We’re proud of this partnership, combining SLIP’s youth leadership expertise with STLCC’s nationally recognized training to create a unique entry point into biomanufacturing,” said Laura Moore, senior research scientist and BOOST program coordinator. “Students gain hands-on experience, industry exposure and a clear pathway into high-demand life sciences careers.”
Moore added that the collaboration helps strengthen the region’s life sciences workforce by preparing job-ready technicians with practical experience, industry-aligned skills and an understanding of workplace expectations.
The BOOST internship program will take place at the College’s BRDG Park at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.
Expanding Workforce Readiness Opportunities for St. Louis Youth
SLIP, a premier workforce and career readiness initiative, provides high school students with paid internships, career exposure, college and career planning, employability training and professional development opportunities. Since merging with BGCSTL in 2020, SLIP has continued connecting students across the St. Louis region with meaningful career pathways and employer partnerships.
The program includes more than 60 hours of pre-employment training and has helped thousands of teens gain real-world work experience while building professional confidence and long-term career goals.
Students can gain paid work experience, college credit and industry credentials through STLCC’s MOST and BOOST programs.
“These internships provide our young people with more than technical training — they provide access, opportunity and a vision for their future,” said Shanise Johnson, executive director of SLIP. “Through this partnership, students are earning credentials, gaining college credit and building confidence in industries that are shaping the future of the St. Louis economy.”
Brandon Williams, BGCSTL president and CEO said, “The partnership reflects STLCC’s commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders and professionals.
“At Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, we are committed to creating pathways that connect education, workforce development and great futures,” Williams said. “Programs like MOST and BOOST expose our teens to high-demand industries while equipping them with the tools, training and experiences needed to compete and thrive in today’s workforce.”
Both programs are structured as paid internships, with students selected and employed through SLIP. In addition to technical instruction, participants will engage in career exploration, employer site visits and exposure to real-world applications of their training.
Enrollment is limited to ensure high-quality instruction and hands-on learning opportunities. The programs serve high school juniors and seniors from across the St. Louis region.
