(L-R) Students from FIU’s Disability Resource Center, FIU President Mark Rosenberg and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez welcome the County’s firstPhoenix Project interns.

The first group of interns for the “Phoenix Project” began work on Monday at several Miami-Dade County departments. The project opens the doors for FIU students with disabilities to get practical experience working in departments throughout Miami-Dade County government.

“The Phoenix Project is a wonderful example of what can happen when some of the key institutions in our community work together for the benefit of our residents,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “At FIU we are actively looking for partnerships such as the Phoenix Project that can help us have an even greater impact in the lives of our students and community.”

For one semester, the interns will gain work experience in their field of study, which includes construction management, information technology, computer and environmental engineering. Interns will be working alongside professionals who provide support for thousands of PC users, manage construction projects at one of the busiest ports in the world, and perform other important functions.

Through a partnership with South Florida Workforce, that organization is covering the salaries of eligible students up to $12.00 per hour.

“The County has a strong commitment to equal employment opportunity for everyone,” said Mayor Alvarez. “I encourage our human resource managers to include people with disabilities in our diverse workforce.”

In addition to coordinating the internships, FIU and the County’s Office of ADA Coordination provided “disability etiquette” training for County employees who are working in departments where Phoenix Project interns will be stationed.