Opportunity Academy Intern

About the Role

The Opportunity Academy Internship is a year-long program where participants complete an eighteen (18) week paid training program led by public construction and procurement professionals from the SCA and the New York City construction industry. After training, interns are placed with SCA Mentor and Mentor Graduate firms, construction management firms, or various SCA departments for up to thirty-two (32) weeks. Interns work twenty (20) hours per week, with potential for full-time hours during peak summer seasons.

This role supports minority-owned, woman-owned, and locally based business enterprises (MWLBEs) in the SCA’s Mentor programs by assisting with back-office operations, including bid documentation, payment requests, project schedules, change orders, and closeout documents. The program aims to develop a workforce with transferable skills to compete as business development professionals in government contracting, particularly in public construction.

Responsibilities

• Assist MWLBEs with back-office operations, including preparing and submitting documentation required by the SCA and other local government agencies (e.g., bid documentation, payment requests, project schedules, change orders, closeout documents).
• Complete graded assignments, practical exercises, and tests based on training material.
• Participate in internship placements with SCA-affiliated firms or departments for up to 32 weeks.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Proficiency in English and strong communication skills.
• One (1) year minimum work experience, preferably in an office or customer service setting.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Availability to attend in-person training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., beginning December 2026.
• Availability for internship placement for at least twenty (20) hours per week, beginning May 2027.

Pay

Participants earn $17 per hour during training, with an increase once internship placements begin.

Posting closes October 30th, 2026.