Paid Internship Program (PIP)

A Paid Internship Program is available to job seekers served by Tri-Counties Regional Center who want to work full- or part-time, become self-employed, start a small business or develop skills as an apprentice. The program pays up to $10,400 per intern and the intent of the program is to increase opportunities for Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE).  There are five main requirements for the paid internship program:

1)  The intern must earn at least minimum wage and make the same amount of money that other employees make doing the same job.

2)  The intern must be doing an individual job and be included in community and/or work site activities to the same extent as individuals without disabilities.

3)  The internship must help the intern reach one of the goals that were chosen during the planning meeting with the service coordinator.

4)  The goal of the internship may be to get hired at the internship site or to get work experience that will increase opportunities for future employment.

5)  The total funding available for each internship is up to $10,400 (ten thousand and four hundred dollars) per year. These funds cover individual wages and include any other employer costs.

How Do I Get Started?

1)  Contact your TCRC Service Coordinator and say you want to have a Planning Team Meeting to talk about doing an internship. Tell your service coordinator WHO you would like to have with you at your meeting.

2) Prepare for the meeting by thinking about what kind of work you would like to do.  Consider your skills, experiences and interests as well as whether you think you will need job support to be successful.

Earn money to live the way you choose       •       Learn a trade       •       Develop meaningful relationships