Connecting Kansas City Students to Real-World, Paid Internship Opportunities
The ProX 2026 Hiring Fair is a dynamic workforce development event designed to connect Kansas City–area high school students with paid, real-world summer internship opportunities. Hosted at Hale Arena, this one-day hiring fair brings together students, employers, and community partners committed to building a stronger, more prepared future workforce for the region.
About ProX
ProX was launched in 2021 by a coalition of 14 local community organizations to create a shared entry point for summer internships and client-connected projects. With early support from the DeBruce Foundation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, this community-driven pilot has grown into Real World Initiatives, a formally established 501(c)(3) affiliate.
ProX goes beyond traditional placement by offering a guided internship journey that includes student onboarding, coaching throughout the summer, and employer tools that strengthen internship quality and consistency. Each ProX internship emphasizes meaningful work, skill-building, consistent supervision, and a supportive workplace environment.
Event Overview
The ProX Hiring Fair allows students to interview directly with employers offering paid summer internships across a wide range of industries. This event is a critical step in preparing students for future education and career success while helping employers cultivate emerging local talent.
Key 2026 Details
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Student Application Deadline: February 20, 2026 (Applications open January 5, 2026)
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Hiring Fair Date: March 21, 2026
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Internship Duration: June 1 – July 2, 2026
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Eligibility: Students ages 14–19 residing in Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass, Johnson, or Wyandotte counties
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Stipend: $1,500 for the five-week internship experience
What to Expect
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Preparation: Students participate in workshops and resume preparation prior to the fair
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Interviews: Face-to-face interviews with employers seeking summer interns
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Skill Development: Interns build work-ready skills, grow social capital, and earn Market Value Assets (MVAs)
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Employer Participation: Employers can register to host interns through the ProX website
Building Kansas City’s Future Workforce
Through collaboration between students, employers, mentors, and community partners, the ProX Hiring Fair strengthens Kansas City’s talent pipeline while creating equitable access to high-quality work experiences for young people.
For additional information, student applications, or employer registration, visit prox.org.
