The Partnership Inc. adds Intern Delaware to its roster

With a skilled talent shortage and a still-recovering economy, Delaware continues to need solutions for its talent pipeline issues. The education nonprofit The Partnership Inc.’s Delaware chapter, best known for its Delaware Principal for a Day and Superstars in Education programs, has announced that it has added Intern Delaware under its umbrella.

The Partnership has been a workforce development affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) since 1999.

“As we continue to expand the Intern Delaware program, a main goal is to ensure a statewide offering to serve businesses throughout the state,” said Scott Malfitano, Intern Delaware founder and DSCC board member, in a statement. “Joining forces with the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce will help the program grow to serve more businesses and attract young talent to our state.”

Intern Delaware, founded in 2020, works to develop Delaware’s future workforce by keeping talent in the First State. Most young talent educated in Delaware don’t stay: According to a 2017 Zippia report, 71% of graduates from Delaware colleges and universities leave the state for their first job, the highest rate in the country. Since its founding, Intern Delaware has partnered with over 21 companies to establish summer intern programs that focus on the benefits of living in Delaware.

“In order for Delaware to remain competitive with its neighboring states, we need to retain our young talent, which ultimately keeps businesses here,” said State Chamber President Mike Quaranta. “It is my hope that State Chamber members, especially hiring and training managers, will see value in this and ultimately join us by playing a key role in developing our state’s talent pipeline.”

Also just added under Delaware’s The Partnership umbrella is the Delaware Young Professionals Network (DYPN). Along with Intern Delaware, Delaware Principal for a Day and Superstars in Education, the organizations aim to create a robust workforce readiness pathway is created Delaware students to to join the Delaware workforce.

“We see a sequential progression of development and training that helps prepare new entrants to the workforce,” said Quaranta. “It starts by connecting our members to schools to clarify workforce needs and skills challenges through Delaware Principal for a Day. We then recognize high schools, training programs, college and university classes that are innovative and targeted to employer needs through our Superstars in Education awards program. For those that go on to college and participate in an internship program, Intern Delaware is a way to connect interns from all participating employers and help build a talent pipeline of young, bright professionals for Delaware employers. New hires can then join the DYPN and grow their professional network, gain leadership skills, and further embed into a life here in Delaware.”

As part of this transition, the DSCC is looking to fill a new full-time staff position under The Partnership (download job description). Resumes and cover letters should be submitted to dscc@dscc.com.