JANESVILLE, Wis. — More than 75 individuals attended the 2026 summer Rock Internship program’s Signing and Orientation event at Blackhawk Technical College’s Beloit-Janesville campus on June 15. Rock Internship is a paid six-week high school internship program made possible through a partnership between Blackhawk Technical College, Rock County and the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board. Attendees included high school interns and their parents; employers; high school career and technical education and counseling personnel; and economic and workforce development stakeholders.
Twenty-five students from six different school districts were formally recognized as the event launched their internship experience. Rock Interns are selected through a competitive application process and matched with area employers who align with their career and/or occupational pathways. Since 2018, more than 160 students from Rock County have successfully participated in this structured, career cruising offering.
A diverse group of employers—including several who are hosting multiple interns—are participating in the 2026 Rock Internship program. Organizations include: Angus Young, Blackhawk Technical College, CCI, Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, Edgerton Hospital & Health Services, Frito Lay, JP Cullen & Sons, Mercyhealth, OrthoIllinois, Pieper Power, Prent, RH Batterman, Rock County Public Health, Scot Forge, SSM Health, Southwest Workforce Development Board, The Morse Group, UW-Whitewater at Rock County, Welty Environmental Center and YWCA of Rock County.
In addition to today’s internship recognition, Blackhawk and its partners also kicked off the first of two Rock Extern cohorts, a unique program where 23 educators from five area school districts rotate through six employer worksites from June 15 to June 22. The following employers are serving as worksites for the summer 2026 Rock Externship program: Alliant Energy, ANGI Energy, CCI, Midstates Concrete, Seneca Foods and United Alloy. Since 2022, more than 60 educators have participated in this paid, five-day externship offering.
Highlights from last year’s programs are available at www.YourRockInternship.com or www.YourRockExternship.com.