PYP Intern graduate Jayme Gabes, marketing coordinator with Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund Tuesday, August 26, 2015. (Michael Spooneybarger/ Studer Community Institute)

Pensacola Young Professionals Internship Pensacola program is kicking off its ninth year.

The program is part of an effort to grow young entrepreneurs and professionals in the Pensacola metro area and entice them to stay local once they graduate. It pairs college students with internships at businesses in their chosen field, and includes coursework at the University of West Florida and a mentoring component.

Since its inception, 85 people have graduated from the Internship Pensacola program, and more than 30 have been hired by the companies they interned with, according to PYP.

Carlton Proctor profiled the project for SCI last year.

Modeled on an internship program developed by the Washington Institute, PYP recruits candidates for the program by going into classes at UWF and other area post-secondary academic institutions.

That is how Hannah Weinstein, marketing manager for Pensacola-based Pro Health, heard about the program.

“I thought it was awesome that they came to my class and talked about it,” she said. “I was really looking for a part-time job in the summer to gain some experience when I heard about the PYP Internship program.”

Weinstein spent her internship with Pro Health and was offered a part-time job while still at UWF. When she graduated last year, Pro Health offered her a full-time job.

“The PYP internship was beneficial because I was able to network and get out in the community,” Weinstein said. “It really helped in my personal and professional development.”

Johanna Pohlmann, who manages Landrum’s administrative/professional division, said internship experience is a plus for prospective job seekers.

“I think PYP interns are provided with good mentoring and skills training that help keep talented young professionals in Pensacola,” Pohlmann said.

Employers can apply to participate through Feb. 19. Student applications are due March 11. The official 13-week summer internship period will run from May 9 to August 5, 2016. For more information, please visit internshippensacola.com or email [email protected].