photo courtesy of Jean Hafia on pexels.com
Thirty students. Twelve dollars per hour. Ten weeks in the Montgomery city government halls. This is the opportunity that Mayor Steven Reed is offering to college students this spring as the City officially opened the applications to the 2026 Mayor’s Internship Program (MIP) on April 22. Mayor Reed participated in a sit-down interview with Nicholas Drayton in which he talked about what the program will provide, who will be eligible, and what students will be able to gain through the program.
Why the Program Matters
Hands-On Experience in City Government
Mayor Reed was direct regarding the essence of the program, noting that it “gives students hands-on experience to see how city government works and to see how the various departments work to improve the lives of our residents and impact the community at large” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026). The program, which runs from June 8 through August 21, requires interns to commit to 25 to 37.5 hours per week.
INSIDE THE INTERNSHIP
Research, Data, and Community Engagement
When discussing the meaningful responsibilities interns carry, Mayor Reed outlined that “interns will get experience in research, providing data-driven solutions, community engagement, and just overall city operations” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026). Regarding the level of involvement in decision-making, Reed explained that interns “provide information to help us with decision-making” and may participate in “certain decisions in terms of things that may affect them or their peers” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026).
The experience resonates deeply with those who have gone through it. Christopher Wadkins, a senior at Auburn University at Montgomery and a former program participant, reflected on what the internship meant to him: “The most valuable hands-on experience I had during the internship was mainly doing audio during the internship, getting interviews from other interns as well talking about their experience. This internship also impacted me a lot and a piece of advice I would give is to always try to bring ideas up” (Wadkins, 2025).
A PROGRAM THAT KEEPS IMPROVING
Built on Feedback, Refined Every Year
The program has evolved since its launch through a continuous feedback loop. Mayor Reed emphasized that the administration has “gotten better every year” because “we take the feedback from the interns to see what we can improve and to see how we can do just a little bit better” to ensure the experience provides “tangible information for them that they can use down the line” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026).
GETTING SELECTED
What Makes an Applicant Stand Out?
With only 30 spots available citywide, competition is significant. Mayor Reed explained that a standout applicant focuses on “explaining why they would be a great addition to the internship program, why they’re interested in the city of Montgomery, working there, and maybe what their interest is beyond just an internship” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026).
ACCESS AND EQUITY
The $12-an-Hour Question
In addressing the $12 per hour pay rate, Mayor Reed explained that the rate “was something benchmarked on other cities’ internship programs and then also looking at what some of our full-time employees make” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026). To ensure equal access for students from different backgrounds, Reed stated the city is “spreading the word through social media, traditional advertisements, and getting out through our grassroots and connected networks” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026).
REACHING EVERY STUDENT
Spreading the Word Across the Community
To ensure interns gain real value rather than performing routine tasks, Reed highlighted the importance of “staying in touch with the department heads and the cabinet directors that they’re working for and vetting the projects that they’ll be working on” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026).
THE LONG VIEW
Do Internships Lead to Careers?
Regarding whether the program leads to long-term employment, Mayor Reed stated, “We’ve had a few who’ve done that with the city of Montgomery but that’s a question I would have to follow back up with our internship coordinator to see who’s moved on to other opportunities outside of the city” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026).
ENSURING A QUALITY EXPERIENCE
Staying Connected with Department Heads
To ensure interns gain real value, Reed highlighted the importance of “staying in touch with the department heads and the cabinet directors that they’re working for and vetting the projects that they’ll be working on” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026).
HOW TO APPLY
What to Do Before the May 8 Deadline
Students preparing their applications should focus on “expressing why they entered in the internship program, what they hope to gain from it, [and] what they believe they will be able to contribute to it” (Reed, as cited in Drayton, 2026).
Applications are open now. Students can access the official program page and apply at montgomeryal.gov/…/mayor-s-internship-program-mip, or go directly to the 2026 application form at cityofmontgomery.seamlessdocs.com/f/MIP2026. The full city announcement can be read at the City of Montgomery News page.
2026 PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
| Program | City of Montgomery Mayor’s Internship Program (MIP) |
| Spots Available | 30 students selected |
| Dates | June 8 – August 21, 2026 (10 weeks) |
| Hours | 25–37.5 hours per week (full duration required) |
| Compensation | $12.00 per hour (paid internship) |
| App Opens | April 6, 2026 |
| App Deadline | May 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. |
| Eligibility | Undergrads (post-freshman year), graduate students, community college (post-2nd year), HS Classes of 2023–2025 |
| Departments | Finance, Communications, Economic Development, Neighborhood Services, Grants, IT, Cultural Affairs |
| Apply / Learn More | Official MIP Program Page → |
Note* this story is based on an interview conducted by Nicholas Drayton with Mayor Steven Reed. All quotes are drawn exclusively from that recorded interview. Program logistics reflect the City of Montgomery’s official 2026 Mayor’s Internship Program announcement.
