Norfolk Emerging Leaders (NEL)

Norfolk Emerging Leaders (NEL)

The City of Norfolk is excited to provide meaningful and educational employment opportunities to youth and young adults through the Norfolk Emerging Leaders (NEL) Program. The program is divided into two employment opportunities: Emerging Leaders and Municipal Interns. 

Apply Today

Applications for the Norfolk Youth Council are now being accepted. Applications must be received no later than January 4, 2023. Apply here.  

Emerging Leaders 

The Emerging Leaders Program provides Norfolk youth between the ages of 16-21 with meaningful paid summer employment. Youth have an opportunity to explore public service careers in local government and gain valuable hands-on work experience through placement in various job assignments in City departments.  The program provides job readiness training and financial literacy education to develop the essential skills necessary to better prepare young people for the future workforce.  

2023 Program Dates: June 2023 – August 2023

Minimum Eligibility Requirements 

  • U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Must be between the ages of 16 and 21.
  • A resident of Norfolk. 
  • Be currently enrolled in high school, vocational/trade school or an accredited college or university.

Program Requirements 

  • Must commit to work up to 40 hours per week and be available to work the duration of the program. 
  • Must not miss more than three (3) workdays of the program.   This includes missed workdays for other commitments to include but not be limited to summer school, athletic camps, practices, summer vacations or other employment. 
  • Must attend all mandatory program orientations, trainings, workshops, events, and activities.  

How to Apply

Online applications for the Norfolk Emerging Leaders position will be posted on the City's job website.

  • Applicants must complete the online application thoroughly and correctly.
  • Applicants must attach a letter of recommendation from a teacher or academic professor. 
  • Must attach a copy of most recent report card or transcript (must be from the 2022/2023 school year and must include the applicant’s current address).
  • All participants 18 years of age or older are required to complete a background check.

Executive Internship Program 

The City of Norfolk’s Executive Internship Program is a ten-week program that provides work-based learning opportunities for qualified undergraduate and graduate students with a desire to work in public service at the local level. The competitive internship program is designed to offer students the opportunity to gain practical work experience, develop a professional network, and apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. Interns are placed in a department that best fits their field of study and career interest. 

The program allows students to make important contributions to the City through meaningful hands-on work assignments and projects.  Interns are afforded professional development and networking opportunities through a variety of events and workshops that allow students to connect with various corporate interns and summer associates working in Norfolk. Interns gain insight into the functions, operations and public policies of municipal government that will better prepare them for a rewarding future career in local government

2023 Program Dates: June 2023 – August 2023

Minimum Eligibility Requirements 

  • US citizenship or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • A desire to work in public service at the local level.
  • Currently enrolled in a degree-granting program of study at an accredited educational institution (4-year college/university or community college) and be in good academic standing. 
  • Applicants must be a junior, senior, or graduate-level student at the time of application.  
  • Community college students must have completed at least one semester and 12 credit hours towards a degree.  You must also have completed at least 6 credit hours in science, mathematics, engineering, technology, or course areas directly related to the program of study or internship at the time of application. 
  • Students graduating before the start of the program (Spring 2022) are eligible to apply. 
  • Undergraduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Graduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Be able to work up to 40 hours per week and available to work the duration of the internship period.

How to Apply

Online applications for the NEL Executive Intern position will be posted on the City's job website. 

  • Attach a letter of recommendation from an academic professor. 
  • Attach a current resume. 
  • Attach most recent transcripts. 
  • All participants 18 years of age or older are required to complete a background check.