Several local governments across Navajo County have been offering internship programs for high school students, giving them a chance to gain firsthand experience in public service and learn about career opportunities within their communities.
The City of Holbrook launched its pilot internship program this summer, placing students in departments to work alongside city staff. Director of Administration and Human Resources Misty Hatch said the city was proud to host its first intern, Bryson Autobee, who completed his internship at City Hall last week. Autobee, a senior at Holbrook High School, is active in student government and has plans to attend college to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. Hatch said Autobee quickly adapted to the work environment, demonstrating strong customer service skills and a positive attitude that made him a favorite among staff and community members. She added that the city wished the summer had been longer so Autobee could have continued his work and she expressed confidence in his future success.
In Winslow, this summer marked the second year of its internship program, which has expanded since its initial launch. Human Resources Director Kelley Pugh-Ward said a total of 12 high school students participated this year, gaining experience in different city departments. Two students, Krista Kostokis and Aaliyah Nichols, worked for eight weeks at the Winslow Public Library, where they assisted with programming and daily operations.
The other 10 interns—Izayiah Ballejos, Bryce Williams, Dallin Payne, Aiden Saucedo, Kaelynn Herder, Patryce Lomayestewa, Aayden Roland, Alexander Reid, Ayla Curley and Oliver Haney—joined public works crews in the parks and roadside divisions, contributing to maintenance and improvement projects around the city. Pugh-Ward said the program helps students build valuable work experience while also allowing the city to introduce young people to potential career paths in municipal government.
Navajo County has operated a similar internship program for several years, placing students in departments across the county organization. Human Resources Analyst Inna Yakhontova said that before completing the program last week, the interns were recognized with a certificate of achievement and had the opportunity to share what they learned with county staff. Human Resources Director Eric Scott and County Manager Bryan Layton met with the interns for a pizza party, where they spoke about the importance of the program, discussed smart financial investments and answered questions about working in public service.
Yakhontova said the county has seen the program benefit both the students and the organization by providing meaningful work experiences and additional support to county departments during the summer months.
Local officials say the internship programs are designed not only to help students build professional skills but also to give them a better understanding of how local government works. Students are exposed to a variety of responsibilities, from assisting with administrative duties to supporting hands-on projects in the community. Organizers hope these experiences encourage students to consider careers in public service or other professions where they can use the skills they’ve gained.
The programs also create stronger connections between local governments and the youth throughout the communities. Students who participate often work directly with residents, city staff and elected officials, learning about the role public agencies play in providing services and maintaining infrastructure. With many local governments planning to continue or expand their internship programs in the future, the opportunities for high school students to explore career options and serve their communities are expected to grow.
