Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — High school students from across Baldwin County are getting a chance to learn how local government works. They will do this through a new internship program with the city of Foley. This is the first time Foley has offered this opportunity. The city introduced the first group of interns at the City Council meeting on Monday, June 2.

Foley Human Resources Director Suzanne Kellams said four students were chosen out of about 30 who applied. “They did have to go through an application process,” Kellams said. “They had to provide a resume, and they went through interview coaching with their career coaches at their schools.”

The interns are Aidan Bowers from Foley High School who will work in the Sports Tourism Department. Vicky Gonzalez, a student at the Baldwin Preparatory Academy, will be an intern at the Foley Public Library. Joanna Jardon from St. Michael Catholic High School will be a general government intern. Colton Rice, a student at the Baldwin Preparatory Academy will work as an intern with the Street Department.

Kellams said the city partnered with the Baldwin County Utilities Intern Program to select the students. Foley is conducting its first internship program of this type.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said internships are a good opportunity for students and the city.

“It's really a great experience. It's a learning experience for you guys,” he told the students. “You learn how to interact with businesses, it's a learning experience for us. We get exposed to new folks that might come to work with us if they want to in the future. We wish you encouragement, and I hope it works out well with your departments. I hope you enjoy your summer jobs.”