The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is expanding its workforce pipeline for local teens through the St. Louis Internship Program. In partnership with St. Louis Community College, SLIP is launching two paid summer internship programs that prepare high school students for high-demand careers in manufacturing and biotechnology.
Running June 8 through July 31, the eight-week, full-time programs will offer hands-on technical training, paid internship experience, college credit opportunities and industry-recognized credentials. The goal is to introduce students to career pathways that are central to the St. Louis regional economy.
Manufacturing Occupational Skills Training (MOST) is geared toward high school students interested in industrial occupations, advanced manufacturing, engineering and technical trades. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on technical training and direct industry exposure. Participants can earn up to 10 college credits and four industry credentials, including OSHA 10 certification and the opportunity to test for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot license. MOST will be held at STLCC’s Florissant Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center, where students will be treated as employees throughout the paid internship while gaining workplace experience and technical skills.
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Biotech Opportunities through Occupational Skills Training (BOOST), is designed for students exploring careers in biology, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, laboratory science and plant science. Through laboratory instruction and industry-aligned coursework, students will build foundational biotech skills, scientific literacy and exposure to the region’s rapidly growing bioscience sector. BOOST participants may earn five college credits and four industry micro credentials through the Bioscience Core Skills Institute. The program will take place at STLCC’s BRDG Park at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.
“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.
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. Since merging with BGCSTL in 2020, SLIP has continued connecting students across the 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.
“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.
Both programs are structured as paid internships, and students are 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.
“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.”
For more information, visit www.bgcstl.org