Current Intern/Leadership Opportunities
We encourage all students and their families to check the PHS Intern/Leadership Opportunities webpage weekly to view any and all new opportunities that are open to PHS students to apply to. On this page specifically, we try to provide information on Internship and Leadership Opportunities that become available for students to apply to. These are wonderful experiences that enhance student engagement and leadership exposure, which always looks impressive on resume and future job/college/scholarship applications.
Click HERE to view the list of the Intern/Leadership Opportunities that were posted on the PHS Scholarships Webpage during the 2024-25 school year. There is no guarantee that each of these opportunities will be available again for the 25-26 school year; however, we are hopeful that they will be and that the timeframes will be similar of their application availability as they were last school year!
Below are mostly local, state, and/or some national Internship/Leadership Opportunities that are currently available for students to apply to:
1) YES Workforce Academy (posted on 10/22/25)
-Jumpstart your career journey by joining the YES Workforce Academy! This academy is open to any PHS Senior who plans on entering the workforce immediately after graduating from PHS in May 2026. The YES Workforce Academy is sponsored by the collaboration of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Power, and the PCSD.
-Joining this academy will help you further develop employability skills and connect you with local employers during the monthly sessions you will partake in from January through May of 2026.
-If you are interested in the YES Workforce Academy, then please complete this YES Interest Form by 10/31/25.
2) 25-26 PCSD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (posted on 10/22/25)
-Dr. Travis Thomas, Superintendent of the Pickens County School District (PCSD), is creating a Student Advisory Council for the 2025-26 school year. This group will meet with the Superintendent three times during the school year to help with communication and engagement across the school district. Two students per grade level from grades 5th-12th will be chosen to serve on this council.
-Please click HERE to complete the application.
-The deadline to complete the online application is Friday, 11/7/25.
3) Georgia DNR Career Academy (posted on 10/26/25)
-The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for the next generation of DNR employees who will care for Georgia’s natural and cultural resources. This summer, DNR invites rising juniors and seniors (current sophomores and juniors for the 25-26 school year) to a week-long summer camp where students will have the opportunity to explore future career options, receive training and education, and make connections with current DNR employees. Attendees will work alongside field professionals and receive hands-on training from game wardens, park managers, and wildlife, fisheries, and marine technicians while traveling across the state visiting wildlife management areas, state parks, fish hatcheries, historic sites, and Georgia’s coast. Students will stay overnight at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center located in Mansfield, Ga., and the Jekyll 4-H Center on Jekyll Island. Lodging and food are included in the total cost (which is $100). Students may also choose to earn Dual Enrollment credit that can be used in Fish and Wildlife and Conservation Law Enforcement programs at many technical colleges.
-The opportunity will take place July 19th-25th.
-Click HERE for more information regarding this incredible opportunity and to access the online application.
-The deadline to submit your online application is November 17th, 2025.
4) Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (posted on 10/28/25)
-The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA), developed in partnership with Appalachian State University and STEM West, prepares the next generation of regional entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. Current 9th -11th high school students from across Appalachia will be selected to participate in a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate creativity, sharpen business acumen, and develop skills essential for entrepreneurial success. The students will have the opportunity to develop and implement business ideas, refine and prototype those ideas, and deliver a shark-tank-style pitch presentation for an audience of entrepreneurs. AEA will be held from July 11th – 24th, at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
-Click HERE for more information on the summer leadership opportunity.
-Click HERE to access the online application.
-The deadline to submit your online application is December 3rd, 2025.
5) Appalachian STEM Academy (posted on 10/28/25)
-The Appalachian STEM Academy is a hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region. High school participants currently in grades 9th - 11th will work with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and both high school and middle school students will conduct guided group science, math, computer science, and technology research projects. Many students gain their first exposure to applied science and STEM education through this experience.
-The High School STEM Academy will run two sessions during July 2026.
-Click HERE for more information on this summer leadership opportunity.
-Click HERE to access the online application.
-The deadline to submit your online application is December 3rd, 2025.
6) Keep Pickens Beautiful (KPB) Teen Squad Volunteer Opportunity
-Want to earn volunteer hours by helping Keep Pickens Beautiful? Then this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! You will earn volunteer hours while working outdoors to beautify your community by planting and maintaining gardens, helping with special events, and participating in community clean-ups.
-Click HERE to register now as a KPB Teen and to sign up for volunteer hours that will be available on Sundays from 2-4pm.
7) Talking Rock Events Committee (TREC) Volunteer Opportunities
-The lovely Talking Rock Community hosts several events throughout the year and is looking for volunteer help.
-For more information and how to sign up to volunteer, please email the Talking Rock Events Committee at events@talkingrockga.com or call/text them at 706-851-9152 (if you text, then please provide your name in the message).
Past Internship/Leadership Opportunities
The following is a list of intern/leadership opportunities that were posted and the deadlines have since passed:
1) Youth Leadership Pickens 25-26 (posted on 8/6/25 and the deadline was 8/15/25).
2) Georgia State School Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Application (posted on 8/1/25 and the deadline was 9/5/25).
3) 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program (posted on 8/14/25 & the deadline was 9/30/25).
4) UNG National Leadership Challenge Weekend (posted on 9/8/25 & the deadline was 10/31/25).
5) 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program (posted on 9/8/25 & the deadline was 11/1/25).