The competition for internships is heating up across the country, with students facing tougher odds than ever before. A recent report from the career network Handshake found that each internship posting in 2025 received an average of 109 applications, almost double the previous year’s number.
In Fayetteville, city and county leaders are working to bridge that gap. This summer, 95 local students are participating in the ICON Summer program (Innovative Career Opportunities Now), with 14 interns working across the city and two serving in the fire department, one more than last year.
For 15-year-old Jeremiah Foster, the opportunity is more than just a summer job. “Kids don’t really get this opportunity. So I’m glad I’m getting this opportunity. I’m going to take advantage of it,” Foster said…