Internship Program Moves Forward At Delarc

Posted on September 9, 2026

In September 2023, CQL featured The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc), highlighting the organization’s ‘Fwd Bound’ internship program. It offered a paid internship for interested high school students, where they could get hands-on experience working alongside direct support professionals (DSPs). In addition, the program also benefited the agency in its recruiting efforts. During National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in 2026, we’re checking in with Delarc for an update about their internship program.

Submitted By: Molly Little, CEO, The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc)

Facing a growing staffing crisis, we knew we couldn’t simply compete for the same shrinking workforce. We had to build one. We instituted a paid internship program for high school students called Fwd Bound. To be eligible, students must be between the ages of 15 to 18, and enrolled full time in high school in Delaware County, NY. The internship program is very student-centered, with each student/intern helping to design their program to revolve around what aspects of our organization interest them (e.g., our business office, a dsp role, residential services, a mechanic and/or custodial arts, etc.). No two internships are identical, and each one has proven to be a life-enhancing experience. 

The Impact Of The Fwd Bound Internship Program

Each intern has been successful in their endeavor. While each internship is personalized, we did learn that there are core components we want all interns to learn. Each intern has learned about actualizing our mission, the history of the field, the difference between the medical model vs. social model of disability, the importance of cultural integrity at a human services agency, and how vital ongoing advocacy is at many levels. These young interns have amassed critical foundational knowledge, as well as created authentic relationships and technical skills. 

The energy of the young interns has been a welcome addition to Delarc. Fwd Bound has grown, and more interns are regularly in homes with people we support, at our site-based day habilitation, and in our integrated preschool program. It is energizing to work alongside these thoughtful, curious young interns who have an eye on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ask the questions we all need to wrestle with as our organization evolves. 

We have had great success with Fwd Bound. 98% of the interns have stayed with Delarc in some capacity after completing the internship. We have hired interns as benefitted employees and substitutes, and we created a program ‘Fwd Bound Plus: College Edition’ to accommodate and attract college-level interns. Delarc now has these two levels of internships, and we are seeing the pipeline to employment. It’s exciting, and the impact on our organization has been transformational. 

Confronting Challenges Involving Fwd Bound

Appealing to young students to engage in our internship program has been our main challenge. Delaware County covers a large geographic area, and the majority of our student interns live in one concentrated section of our county. We would love to host interns from all over Delaware County, but we have not had luck attracting students in outlying areas. In addition, Delaware County does not offer any public transportation, so if a student does not drive or have access to a ride, that is a hurdle they have identified. 

We continue to work with the school districts to market our internship program, and share the opportunity with students. We have met several bright students who are intrigued by the idea, yet are pulled in many directions already (e.g., sports, theater, clubs, etc.) and cannot commit to the paid internship. We attend career days and other events at the various school districts to remind students that if/when they are ready, this opportunity will be here for their consideration. 

Quick Tips For Implementing An Internship Program

• Keep the internship very person/student centered, and reject any notion of “one size fits all” 
• Interview potential candidates well to assess if the agency is a good match, and if so, how to plan an internship that will be mutually beneficial 
• Pair the intern with a mentor so the student gets the most out of the experience 
• Hold workshops where ALL interns gather and learn about foundational pieces and key facts that are important, regardless of the specific focus they are concentrating on 

About The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc)

The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) helps children and adults with disabilities live personally fulfilling lives through a variety of innovative support and services. Those services include Carousel Children’s Services (an integrated preschool program), Community-based Learning & Support, Group Recreation & Family Support, Advocacy & Education, Training & Employment, Adult Residential Services, Adult Guardianship Services, and Studio 190 (a collaborative art program).

Delarc is unified around a set of basic principles; those we serve come first, commit to excellence, be dedicated, employee satisfaction, communicate effectively, and be innovative. You can learn more about The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) by visiting the organization’s website: https://delarc.org/ 

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Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.