New summer initiative connects interns with professional development, networking opportunities, and community experiences designed to strengthen long-term workforce retention
Concord, NH — Stay Work Play New Hampshire announced the launch of its new NH Interns Program, a statewide summer initiative pilot designed to help interns build meaningful connections, strengthen career readiness, and discover why New Hampshire can be more than just a temporary stop.
The new program comes at a pivotal time for the Granite State. As one of the oldest states in the country and amid ongoing workforce shortages across industries, New Hampshire faces increasing pressure to retain young talent. Research shows students are nearly twice as likely to remain in the state where they intern after graduation, making internships one of the strongest tools available to strengthen New Hampshire’s long-term workforce pipeline.
Through a series of “friend-working” events, professional development workshops, and community-building experiences throughout the summer, the NH Interns Program will help young people connect with peers, local leaders, and unique NH businesses while experiencing the communities, career pathways, and quality of life opportunities that make New Hampshire a desirable environment to start and grow your career.
“Internships are one of the most powerful talent retention tools we have, but only if we think beyond the workplace experience itself,” said Corinne Breton-Benfield, Executive Director of Stay Work Play New Hampshire. “A great internship may open the door, but long-term retention happens when young people can also envision a life here. That means building friendships, professional networks, community connections, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond office walls.”
Summer Kickoff Social
Wednesday, June 18 | 5:30–7:00 PM
The Listening Room at Moka Pot, Manchester, NH
A friend-working event designed to welcome interns to New Hampshire and connect them with peers and young professionals from across industries within a cool and inspiring third space.
Virtual Professional Development Series
Monday, July 20 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Monday, August 3 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Virtual sessions focused on personal branding, workplace wellness, and turning internships into full-time career opportunities.
NH Nexus Summit + Rooftop Social
Monday, August 17 | 12:00–7:00 PM
Arts Alley, Concord, NH
Interns will receive complimentary access to NH Nexus Summit, Stay Work Play New Hampshire’s leadership summit for emerging talent, followed by a rooftop networking social.
Participants will also receive an Intern Passport, allowing them to earn rewards by attending multiple events throughout the summer and encouraging deeper engagement with communities across the state.
The program is made possible through a collaborative partnership between organizations working to strengthen New Hampshire’s future workforce. Bangor Savings Bank provided critical support by investing in a dedicated summer intern position at Stay Work Play New Hampshire to help launch and execute the program. Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire is helping connect employers and business leaders to the initiative, while New Hampshire College & University Council is supporting outreach to higher education institutions, career development offices, and postsecondary partners across the state.
“This program shows what can happen when multiple sectors come together around a shared challenge,” Breton-Benfield added. “By intentionally creating connection points beyond the workplace, we’re helping young people build roots that can last far beyond one summer.”
Explore the NH Interns Program and Register
About Stay Work Play New Hampshire
Stay Work Play New Hampshire is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to attracting and retaining young people in New Hampshire by advancing workforce development, community engagement, and policies that support a thriving future for the next generation.