For the last decade, Company Ventures has played an integral role in helping to build a thriving tech community in New York City. Running several programs including Grand Central Tech and the ‘Boost’ Founder Fellowship – we’ve helped over 300 NYC founders grow and scale their startups and social enterprises in New York.
As part of our role in the innovation ecosystem, we have made workforce development a core part of our mission. The goal is to support a future tech workforce that is diverse across the spectrum and ensure that pathways to tech careers are accessible to low-income college students. Roughly one-third of the interns have reported coming from households with a total income of less than $60,000, underscoring the critical significance of paid internship opportunities for students.
That is why we've partnered with the City University of New York, Blackstone LaunchPad, New York City Economic Development Corporation, and Civ:Lab to provide summer internships for over 80 CUNY students at tech companies within our broader network. Some companies include: Lilac Software, Pika, NeuraHealth, First Tech Fund, Wiggle Room, Fig Medical, and many more.
The goal is twofold – first, we provide startups with qualified, vetted candidates from CUNY schools, while offering the students comprehensive support services, professional development, and mentorship throughout the summer. Students gain valuable hands-on experience in the industry and start on the trajectory to a successful tech career. To accommodate a diverse set of interests and skill sets, we offer a myriad of roles, including Data Science, Software Engineering, Graphic Design, UX/UI Design, Social Media/Marketing, Operations, and Finance with flexible working arrangements for a total of 35 hours/week.
Based on data from our 2022 and 2023 Internship Annual Report, 41% of interns continued working with their host companies in full-time, part-time, or contract roles after their summer internship ended, and 91% highlighted that learning the culture of working at a startup was the most beneficial part of their experience. The program also left a lasting impact on employers – 64% reported interest in hiring more underrepresented technical talent if additional opportunities were available.
For more information please contact our Director of Impact Programs, Mia Manantan.