Work Immersion
Forecasted
Work Immersion supports Rhode Island employers in offering paid work experiences to students and unemployed or underemployed adults, helping participants build skills and improve their employment prospects.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Due Dates: Reopening expected in 2027 (new applications)
Funding Amounts: 50% or 75% wage reimbursement; maximum annual award of $24,000
Summary: Work Immersion helps Rhode Island employers offer paid work experiences that improve the employment prospects of eligible students and unemployed or underemployed adults.
Key Information: Employers must have approved Ocean State Procures registration before applying.
Description
Work Immersion is administered by the Governor’s Workforce Board within the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. It helps Rhode Island employers provide temporary, paid work experiences to eligible students and unemployed or underemployed adults. The program reimburses part of participants’ wages to support meaningful learning opportunities that build skills and improve employment prospects.
Experiences must give participants at least 80 hours of work and opportunities to learn from supervisors and industry professionals. The program’s quality standards call for work that develops technical and professional skills, connects to the participant’s interests, and includes meaningful evaluation. Student experiences should also relate to the participant’s field of study.
