ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County is investing $1.25 million to expand career exploration opportunities for students through paid internships, career training, and other work-based learning experiences.

What You Need To Know

Orange County is adding $1.25 million to expand career exploration programs for youth

$800,000 will go to CareerSource Central Florida and $450,000 to the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools

The funding supports paid internships, career training, and other work-based learning opportunities

Officials say the program has helped an estimated 750 to 850 students gain real-world job experience

The funding will go to two organizations already working with students across the county. CareerSource Central Florida will receive $800,000, while the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools will receive $450,000.

Leaders say the investment is designed to help more students gain real-world experience before they graduate.

Parker Antoine, director of marketing for Orange County Public Schools Career and Technical Education, said the funding is essential to keeping the internship program going.

“It will give our students work-based, real-world learning experiences,” Parker said.

According to district leaders, the county’s investment in the program has risen over time, allowing for more placement opportunities for students. Officials say the internship initiative is available county-wide and has helped an estimated 750 to 850 students over the years.

Parker said one of the program’s biggest strengths is that students are matched with opportunities connected to their career interests.

“We’re trying to match students up to their field of interest to give them a real look while they’re getting paid in high school,” Parker said.

One of those students is Lou Vasconcelos Ferreira. The 18-year-old high school senior and salutatorian has spent two years working with the district’s IT team through the internship program.

Ferreira said he first learned about the opportunity through his AP Computer Science class.

“So I was in AP Computer Science and my teacher came to me and offered me this opportunity. My friend and I just thought it would be a nice experience do over the summer and get experience in the field that I want to go in,” Ferreira said.

During his internships, Ferreira said he worked with school technology systems and helped troubleshoot issues for teachers and students.

He also spent time re-imaging thousands of student computers and setting up smart boards and new teacher devices ahead of the school year.

Ferreira said the experience gave him a clearer picture of what working in technology looks like day to day.

“I plan on going into computer science for my major. Me having that experience and having the knowledge that I gained from the internship is definitely going to help me,” he said.

He said he is especially grateful for both the work experience and the chance to strengthen his resume before college.

District leaders say students interested in the program can speak with their high school career specialist or CTE teacher to learn more.