SC Public Charter School District Kids First Podcast · SC Public Charter School District

Sade Harrell | City of Columbia

·21 min·2 clips

Sade Harrell shares how the city's high school internship program surged from 120 to 150 applicants in just one year.

This episode focuses on the City of Columbia's high school summer internship program and its role in youth workforce development. Host Kevin and co-host Dr. Perry Mills from the South Carolina Public Charter School District welcome Sade Harrell, the city's HR Specialist in Talent Acquisition. Harrell spearheads the internship program, which saw applications increase from 120 to 150 students in its second year. The program placed 10 students across seven departments in its first year and 17 students across nine departments in its second. Participating city departments include engineering, information technology, community development, human resources, and public works. The program is promoted starting in late February through info sessions and flyers distributed via local school districts. Applications are open for 30 days in March, and eligible students must be at least 16 years old and rising juniors or seniors. Interviews are conducted face-to-face by departmental hiring managers in a rapid "speed dating" format lasting 10-15 minutes per student. Dr. Mills emphasizes that employers often seek teamwork skills, which students can build through clubs or athletics, not just academic experience. Harrell shares a success story of a past intern who secured a part-time IT role with the city while attending a local university after graduation. She reveals the program's goal is to expose students to professional careers, including paths that only require a high school diploma. A key insight is that the city's HR team sometimes conducts workshops on resume writing and interview coaching for schools upon request. Dr. Mills advocates for a "pocket resume" students can carry to demonstrate preparedness. Harrell's personal motivation stems from growing up in rural S.C. without such opportunities, driving her passion to help students see professional futures. The hosts discuss a broader need to scale such programs statewide to prepare youth for major incoming employers like Scout Motors. The tone is conversational, collaborative, and enthusiastically supportive of the program's mission. The style is interview-based, blending practical explanations with personal anecdotes and advocacy. This episode is ideal for South Carolina parents, educators, and students interested in local government internships and youth career readiness. Listeners seeking debates on education policy or technical HR details might find it less applicable.

As heard by us

A plainspoken look at internships, hiring, and the path from school to work.

Sade Harrell's turn on Kids First stays focused on the practical side of city hiring and youth development. She talks through finding the right people for departments, helping with hiring, and using internships to give students a first look at work after high school.

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Why you'd press play

You want a clear look at how city internships can turn into a real next step after high school.

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