Huron County Comeback Internship Program Announcement

Joint Press Release Issued By:
Huron County Community Foundation
Huron County Economic Development Corporation

January 26, 2026

The Huron County Community Foundation (HCCF) and the Huron County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announce the launch of the Huron County Comeback Internship Program, a new, collaborative initiative designed to retain and attract young talent while supporting local employers in building a strong, sustainable workforce.

The Huron County Comeback Internship Program connects current college students originally from Huron County with paid, customized internship opportunities at local businesses, municipalities, and other employers. The program is intentionally structured to address two important and connected community priorities: ensuring local employers have access to emerging talent and encouraging young adults to envision a future living and working in Huron County.

Unlike traditional internship programs, the Comeback Program creates opportunities with employers of all sizes, including small businesses that may not be able to host a formal internship program but could provide a meaningful experience for one student. Interested students will apply to join the program by submitting information about their academic studies, career goals after graduation, and general professional interests to HCCF. Using this information, HCCF and EDC will work collaboratively to match students with local employers for customized, paid internship experiences aligned with their interests and career paths. Employers that are interested in serving as an internship host can complete an interest form on the EDC’s website to join the list of potential partners. 

“HCCF views the Comeback Internship Program as a way to build on our existing scholarship program and help students see a future for themselves here in Huron County. Retaining and attracting talent is a strategic priority for HCCF, so this partnership feels like a natural fit,” said Mackenzie Price, HCCF Executive Director. “The Huron County Comeback Internship Program is about connecting students to opportunity and helping local businesses grow their future workforce,” said Samantha Schnettler, Executive Director of the Huron County Economic Development Corporation. “By creating meaningful work experiences and relationships early on, we’re strengthening career pathways and showing students that there are many ways to build a successful future right here in Huron County.”

Through its work with students and young adults, HCCF and the EDC have learned that many returning students are either unaware of the range of career opportunities available in Huron County or assume that strong, meaningful careers only exist elsewhere. The Comeback Internship Program is designed to change that narrative by increasing visibility of local employers, fostering relationships, and supporting long-term talent pipelines that benefit both students and businesses. 

In addition to gaining hands-on professional experience, interns will have opportunities to connect with one another throughout the program. These cohort-style networking opportunities are designed to help interns share experiences and establish their professional networks within Huron County.

This partnership allows HCCF and EDC to leverage their organizational strengths and networks to collaboratively support talent retention in Huron County. By aligning the goals of philanthropy and economic development the Huron County Comeback Internship Program represents a strategic investment in both people and place.

All internships through the Comeback Program are paid, helping to reduce financial barriers and expand access for students exploring career pathways connected to Huron County’s economy. The intern stipend is split between the participating employer and the Comeback Program. Funding for the initial cohort of interns was provided by DTE’S Renewable Energy Team  and the Consumers Energy Foundation.

For best consideration, students should apply to HCCF prior to February 17, 2026. Requests from employers to participate in the program should be submitted to the EDC by March 1, 2026. Employers and students will be selected based on program capacity.

Student intake form  - https://huroncountycommunityfoundation.org/hccf-news/huron-county-comeback-internship-program

Employer Interest intake form - www.huroncounty.com/edc-news-information/huron-county-comeback-internship-program-employer-interest-questionnaire