The Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) is taking a bold step in strengthening its connection with local businesses by partnering with the Atlantic County Workforce Development Board’s (ACWDB) Internship Program. Starting July 1, ACEA will onboard six new interns through the program as part of its initiative to engage and strengthen the county’s business community. These interns will be a key piece of ACEA’s business outreach program to forge stronger relationships with local businesses, better understand their needs, and provide support for the challenges these businesses face.

Lauren Moore, President of ACEA, emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership, “The ACWDB Internship Program is instrumental in helping us bridge the gap between our organization and the local business community. By hosting these talented interns, we’re supporting the development of Atlantic County’s youth and enriching our efforts to engage and assist businesses effectively.”

The ACWDB Internship Program is experiencing dramatic growth, with a remarkable 100% increase in the number of interns placed for 2026. Events like ACEA’s Business-to-Business (B2B) Mixer on May 6th contributed to this success by creating new opportunities for effective communication between ACEA, local businesses, and the ACWDB. The program focuses on connecting interns to Atlantic County’s burgeoning industries, such as aviation, meds and eds (healthcare and education), and specialty manufacturing, underscoring its role in driving economic growth in Atlantic County.

Atlantic County Executive Denny Levenson underscored the program’s impact, highlighting its alignment with the county’s broader economic goals. “This internship program exemplifies what county government can achieve when it invests wisely in the future. By connecting our young residents with valuable opportunities and helping businesses meet their workforce needs, it’s a win-win for everyone in Atlantic County.”

Francis Kuhn, Executive Director of the Atlantic County Workforce Development Board, added, “The success of this program is rooted in its design—that is, to prepare Atlantic County’s youth for dynamic industries. Programs like this ensure that local talent remains accessible to businesses in the region.”

The program’s recent expansion was made possible by funding secured by Senator Vince Polistina. Speaking on the initiative, Senator Polistina noted, “This investment in the ACWDB Internship Program is an investment in Atlantic County’s future. Supporting our young people and our businesses simultaneously sets the stage for sustainable growth and innovation.”

Through collaborative efforts, ACEA and the ACWDB Internship Program continue to demonstrate how strategic programs can create vibrant opportunities for both local industries and the next generation of workers.