Leadership Delaware Inc. to manage internship program
Intern Delaware, a program connecting college interns with Delaware employers and the broader community, is transitioning to management and operation through Leadership Delaware Inc.
For the past five summers, Intern Delaware was run under The Partnership, a 501(c)(3) workforce development affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.
Established in 2020 to address a critical workforce gap — where 71% of college students leave Delaware after graduation and 75% of employers report difficulty filling roles —Intern Delaware serves as an add-on to a organization’s internship program, giving rising talent a deeper understanding of Delaware’s economy, culture and business landscape. During the two-month program, interns have access to professional development workshops, networking opportunities and mentorship, while employers strengthen talent pipelines and help interns build a sense of community in a state that is an ideal place to live, work and play. Over its tenure, the program has engaged more than 500 interns from over 55 companies.
Since the state chamber brought the program under its umbrella in 2021, Intern Delaware gained further structure, identity and strong corporate partnerships, establishing itself as a proven model for workforce development. The program’s impact has been significant, as interns who participate are nearly twice as likely to stay with their employer after one year compared with those lacking internship experience. Some 90% of participants report improved professional skills and confidence that increase their potential for long-term growth within companies.
Now, as The Partnership evolves into the Delaware State Chamber Foundation, Leadership Delaware will assume responsibility for the program, managing day-to-day operations, expanding networking opportunities, and integrating it into its broader professional development initiatives. The 2026 Intern Delaware summer cohort will be fully operated under Leadership Delaware, with the Delaware state chamber assisting in the transition to ensure continuity and a seamless handoff.
“When the state chamber was first asked to take on Intern Delaware, it was to help address a pressing challenge: Too many students graduating from Delaware colleges and universities were leaving the state to start their careers,” said Michael J. Quaranta, Delaware state chamber president. “We are proud of the infrastructure we built out for the program, providing it the visibility and partnerships it needed to thrive. As our 501(c)(3) begins to take on an expanded mission, this is the right time to pass the program to Leadership Delaware, whose focus makes them the ideal organization to carry it forward and grow its impact.”
“For the past five summers, the leadership team at the state chamber has thoughtfully grown and developed the Intern Delaware program. They have demonstrated that an impactful internship experience, paired with influential mentors and meaningful relationships, can shape not only a student’s career but the course of their life,” said Michael Eppehimer, CEO of Leadership Delaware. “The Leadership Delaware board and staff are grateful for the opportunity to build on this legacy as Intern Delaware enters this new chapter. We know that when we invest in our future leaders at the launch of their careers, we are investing in a healthier, more vibrant future for our state.”
The transition of Intern Delaware from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to Leadership Delaware ensures the program will continue to support the next generation of leaders in the First State, building on its established success while expanding opportunities for interns, employers and the broader community. It’s a new chapter that will help keep Delaware’s best and brightest rooted in the First State.
