Program Overview
Experience
The Intern Leadership Program (ILP) is a 16-week paid workforce and leadership development initiative designed for young women and gender-expansive youth ages 18–24 from communities disproportionately impacted by systemic inequities. ILP was created to address the barriers that too often limit access to meaningful employment, career advancement, and long-term economic stability.
Through a unique combination of culturally responsive leadership training, restorative practices, and real-world internship placement, ILP equips participants with the tools, confidence, and support needed to thrive in professional environments and beyond.
Our Approach
ILP is rooted in the belief that workforce development must be holistic. Professional growth cannot happen without emotional well-being, mentorship, and access to opportunity. Our trauma-informed, healing-centered framework ensures that participants are supported as whole individuals—not just as interns.
The program is intentionally structured in two phases:
Phase I: Work Readiness & Leadership Training
Participants begin with intensive workforce and leadership preparation. During this phase, they engage in interactive workshops and restorative circles focused on:
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Growth mindset and asset-based thinking
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Emotional intelligence and conflict resolution
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Leadership development and accountability
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Financial literacy and SMART goal planning
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Resume writing and interviewing
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Workplace communication and digital literacy
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Time management and professional conduct
This foundation prepares participants not just to secure employment—but to sustain and grow within it.
Phase II: Paid Internship Experience
After completing workforce preparation, participants transition into a paid internship placement with one of our partner organizations. Interns complete structured, skill-building work assignments while continuing to receive coaching, mentorship, and accountability support from the Pure Legacee team.
Throughout the internship, we maintain consistent check-ins with both interns and partner sites to ensure alignment, growth, and a meaningful learning experience.
What Participants Receive
ILP is more than a training program—it is a comprehensive support system. Participants receive:
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Paid internship stipends
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Ongoing leadership and professional development workshops
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Trauma-informed coaching and restorative support
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Advocacy to address job-readiness barriers (IDs, documentation, benefits navigation, etc.)
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Access to networking opportunities and community partners
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Career guidance and mentorship
Our goal is to remove barriers while building capacity.
The Impact
By the end of the program, participants leave with tangible workforce experience, strengthened professional networks, enhanced job readiness, and increased confidence in their leadership abilities. More importantly, they leave with a clear pathway toward sustainable employment, financial independence, and long-term career mobility.
ILP is not simply about placing interns—it is about transforming access to opportunity and building equitable workforce pathways for the next generation of leaders.
Key Pillars
1. Workforce Readiness
Participants build practical, career-ready skills including resume development, interviewing, digital literacy, workplace communication, and time management—ensuring they are prepared to enter and navigate professional environments with confidence.
2. Leadership Development
Through guided workshops and real-world experiences, participants strengthen their voice, decision-making skills, accountability, and professional presence—developing the confidence to lead in their workplaces and communities.
3. Healing-Centered & Restorative Practices
ILP is grounded in trauma-informed care and restorative principles. We prioritize emotional well-being, growth mindset, and self-reflection to ensure participants heal while they grow.
4. Paid Internship Experience
Participants complete a structured, paid internship with a partner organization, gaining meaningful, hands-on workforce experience while receiving ongoing coaching and support.
5. Wraparound Support & Advocacy
From job-readiness advocacy to mentorship and resource navigation, ILP provides comprehensive support that removes barriers and promotes long-term career mobility and financial independence.
"Before ILP, I didn’t feel confident walking into professional spaces. Now I know how to advocate for myself, communicate clearly, and show up as a leader. This program helped me see my potential and believe in it."
— MTP Graduate