Where next gen leaders get their start

See how Prelude works

Work-based learning to launch purposeful careers

Prelude partners with employers and schools to offer paid internships for high school students from lower-income communities.

We are proud to highlight our collaboration with Audible and the Future Leaders internship program.

Employer Partners

Education and employment should work in harmony

Our employer partners share our commitment to local youth. Together, we compose professional pathways to early career growth and success.

Partner with us
  • Camogic Corporation of New York logo with stylized blue handwriting and printed text.
  • NFI Industries
  • Audible
  • Wells Fargo
  • The logo of the Campbell's company with red text on a white background.
  • Michael and Susan Dell Foundation
  • Education Leaders of Color
  • Culver High School
  • KIPP NJ
  • Central Piedmont Early College
  • Uncommon
  • Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
  • Logo for Camden Big Picture Learning Academy, featuring a red flame icon and bold black and red text.
  • Cooperman College Scholars
  • nXu
  • Claneil Foundation
  • Camden Education Fund logo with a pencil graphic and text.

Why a Learn and Earn program?

Youth from lower-income backgrounds rarely have access to upwardly mobile career pathways. In our program, students cultivate new and deeper professional interests, learn to navigate the hidden curriculum of the workplace, and take the first step toward economic freedom.

  • Two overlapping dark teal circles on a black background, creating a Venn diagram.

    Paid experiences in an office setting

  • A geometric logo with an abstract mountain and triangle design in shades of dark teal on a black background.

    Academic credit for professional skill-building

  • A circular, black and teal graphic logo with a stylized letter Q.

    Robust support for corporate partners

How it works

Prelude for High Schools

Professional experiences for your students

We cultivate long-term relationships with top employers in your city and provide curriculum and programmatic support to ensure students thrive in their internships.

Learn more

Prelude for Students

Paid internships that launch careers

Prelude students get on-the-job experience, grow their skills, and explore new careers with the support of instructors and mentors.

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  • 100%

    100% of students grew transferable professional skills

  • 99%

    99% of students made a professional contact with whom they will stay connected after the internship

  • $5,600

    Students earn $5,600, on average, over the academic school year

  • 96%

    96% of Employees say that participating makes them proud to work at their company

  • "It's a winning program all the way around."

    Intern Mentor

  • "Having a strong network in the career field I plan to pursue has given me a leg up in the job market."

    High School Intern

  • "It's moving to see young students transition into becoming young professionals."

    Intern Mentor

  • This opportunity opened many doors and helped me be prepared for th next chapter of my life."

    High School Intern

Learn more about our work to unlock economic freedom

Explore news, insights, and events from Prelude and our partners. 

Featured
Why High School Internships Are Hard—And How to Make Them Work
Why High School Internships Are Hard—And How to Make Them Work

Let me start with a truth that anyone who’s tried to implement high school internships already knows: it’s hard.

3 Ways to Set Up Your New Intern for Success
3 Ways to Set Up Your New Intern for Success

You’ve just been matched with your high school intern—congrats! A manager’s guide to starting strong with your new intern.

Prelude 2025 Annual Report
Prelude 2025 Annual Report

This report highlights a year of powerful growth, student success, and expanded access to work-based learning across five cities.

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