Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in Partnership with Hey Westminster and The Kahlert Foundation, Launches New Paid Student Internship Program
May 2026
Westminster, MD (May 8, 2026)— The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced the launch of a new paid student internship program for local high school and college students.
Developed in partnership with the local giving circle Hey Westminster and area employers, the program offers meaningful, real-world “learn and earn” experiences that prepare students for today’s workforce while allowing them to earn up to $1,800 over a 12-week period.
Funding for the program is provided through a generous grant from The Kahlert Foundation, with significant financial support going directly to local students interning with small businesses, nonprofits, and community groups.
“This is an exciting project to get behind,” shared Greg Kahlert, President of The Kahlert Foundation. “The internship program will help to create strong leaders and give students a chance to build skills at local Carroll County businesses.”
The internship program is led by Mike McMullin, President of the Carroll County Chamber Foundation, along with Dr. Jim Ball, Foundation Board Member and Past President of Carroll Community College, who will oversee program development and implementation. Josh Ambrose of Hey Westminster will manage the selection of participating students and partner businesses, ensuring strong, mutually beneficial matches.
“The real-world experience that internships provide is critical to preparing our youth for a rapidly changing workplace,” said McMullin. “This program is designed to connect students with local employers while helping them build skills, confidence, and career awareness.”
Over the past six years, Hey Westminster has awarded over $120k and created dozens of high-impact multimedia highlights, pro-bono, to community initiatives. For this latest project, they have helped connect school career centers and line up host sites for the interns, ensuring strong matches that benefit all involved.
“We believe in the good work happening here in our town and are fully committed to empowering those doing their part to make our community more awesome!” said Josh Ambrose, of Hey Westminster. “We’re grateful to count The Kahlert Foundation as a good friend—this is just the latest example of their engagement as a great neighbor in our community.”
This collaborative initiative reflects a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of Carroll County’s workforce by strengthening the connection between education and local business.
The student internship program will continue into the fall semester 2026. Interested students or potential host sites should email [email protected].
About the Supporting Organizations
The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, supports and strengthens the mission of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1924, the Chamber works to promote a strong economic environment in which Carroll County businesses can thrive.
The Kahlert Foundation is a Sykesville-based family grant making organization investing more than $30 million in nonprofits in the areas of health care, education, veterans, youth, and human services. The Foundation’s focus is to improve the quality of life and well-being of the communities in the states of Maryland and Utah.
