Frequently Asked Questions

What is INROADS?

INROADS helps business and industry develop talented young people of color for professional careers. It is a not-for-profit career development organization operated like a business.

How does INROADS work?

INROADS recruits outstanding students of color.. Its Pre-College Component prepares high school students for college. INROADS places college students in two-to-four-year internships with participating organizations and trains them for corporate and community leadership.

What is the INROADS goal?

The INROADS goal is achieved when a client organization hires the INROADS alumnus -- immediately upon graduation from college -- who interned at that company. Over the past five years, eight of ten graduates who received offers from their INROADS sponsor company accepted full-time employment with the company. Of all alumni, about two-thirds joined an INROADS sponsor organization upon graduation.

What is an INROADS internship?

An INROADS internship is a year-round experience requiring commitment to certain standards and participation in specific activities, including summer employment at a participating company, training workshops, staff coaching, and community service.

Who is an INROADS intern?

An INROADS intern is a college minority student in a degree major that will lead to a professional career in management and who is committed to the INROADS mission and goal.

What students are eligible for INROADS?

First, students must meet INROADS' academic criteria, which are high. Preference goes to students who have a scholastic average of 3.0 or better, an ACT composite score of 20 or better, an SAT combined score of 800 or better, or ranking within the top 10% of their high school class. Some affiliates set higher standards. INROADS interns' average SAT combined score exceeds 1000.

Second, students must want to pursue a college degree in a business or technical discipline, although some students in liberal arts and other majors are accepted.

Third, students must be motivated to succeed. INROADS staff looks for students with such characteristics as leadership. To apply, students may talk with their school counselor or call the local INROADS office. What services/benefits does INROADS provide? For clients, INROADS provides early identification of talent at a reduced cost, increased diversity, and improved hiring fit. Students receive paid multi-year experience with early exposure to their career interest, networking opportunities, and year-round personal, pre-professional, and academic support throughout their college career.

How is INROADS funded?

INROADS is funded by sponsorship fees from clients, supplemented by foundation grants and contributions.

What do client organizations have to do?

Participating companies must make a commitment to provide career-related summer work experience for interns. They must also involve their staff with the intern's development team. Third, the client pays an annual sponsorship fee per intern as well as a competitive salary to the intern. Interested companies should also contact the nearest local affiliate.