DIRT’S INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Group of people smiling and standing on the front porch of a blue house during winter, with some holding papers and a certificate, decorated with holiday lights and gifts.
Two women standing behind a coffee shop counter, smiling. The woman on the left wears a blue shirt; the woman on the right has curly hair, a nose ring, and wears a dark shirt with a maroon apron. Behind them is a brick wall and a large menu board. On the counter, there are cups, a tip jar, and a sign with a menu.
Two employees behind a bakery counter, a man and a woman, with the man looking down and the woman smiling and talking, surrounded by baked goods and kitchen supplies, with a modern hanging light and shelves with cereal boxes in the background.

WHAT IS THE DIRT
INTERNSHIP?

Inside a coffee shop with a smiling person giving a thumbs-up, standing behind a register. In the foreground, there is a large basket with single dollar bill and a DIRT sign. Behind the person, shelves hold cartons of beverages, cups, and plates. A coffee machine and some trays are also visible.

DIRT offers six cohorts a year. Each cohort includes:

  • Three months of paid work experience

  • One-on-one job coaching

  • Coaching based on your learning style

  • Evidence-based frameworks, including TBRI® and Skillful ( A Markle Initiative) 

  • Trauma-Informed and Strengths-based models of care 

  • Job skills training in a supportive environment

  • Access to job placement services post-graduation

  • Monthly social outings where peers can connect and celebrate wins

APPLY HERE

WHO IS THE INTERNSHIP FOR?

A group of eighteen people standing outdoors on a sidewalk during daytime, with a clear blue sky, trees, streetlights, and a brick building in the background. Some are smiling and holding a certificate, a dog, and a staff or cane.
A group of eighteen people standing outdoors on a sidewalk during daytime, with a clear blue sky, trees, streetlights, and a brick building in the background. Some are smiling and holding a certificate, a dog, and a staff or cane.

Neurodivergent Young Adults 16+, looking for the opportunity to:

  • Build foundational workplace skills in a supportive setting

  • Develop individualized goals alongside a DIRT job coach

  • Cultivate transferable employment skills that they can use to explore future work opportunities

You could be a great fit for this program if you:

  • Need customer service, flexibility, problem-solving, team communication, time management, and prioritization skills

  • Can drive, use public transportation, or have reliable transportation

  • Want to learn and grow your work skills in a supportive, exciting setting

  • Are available on weekdays and can commit to working 12 weeks to complete the internship

WHAT IS A JOB
COACH?

A man and woman behind a coffee shop counter. The man is wearing glasses and a gray shirt, raising his right hand, and the woman is smiling, wearing a denim jacket. Behind them is a brick wall with a digital menu board. Coffee cups and equipment are on the counter.
A man with headphones and glasses pouring milk from a large container into a smaller cup, with a woman standing behind him in a coffee shop.

Our job coaching program offers a holistic approach to support individuals and small groups in achieving their employment and career goals. Through a combination of personalized guidance and overcoming personal barriers, we provide on-site coaching, effective communication training, and employer support. Our program specifically caters to neurodivergent individuals, empowering them to build confidence, gain hands-on workforce experience, and recognize their unique strengths in the job market. By navigating employment barriers together, we aim to foster success and create opportunities for meaningful, integrated employment.

HOW TO GET STARTED

After completing the application, you can get a head start on setting up your services, by getting involved with one of the following resources to help support your internship experience. Our services are supported through various organizations, such as Case Management Agencies and Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. If you are interested in getting connected with one of these resources, DIRT can help you understand which route is best for you.

  • Medicaid Waivers, managed through Case Management Agencies such as Developmental Pathways, RMHS, and Jefferson County Dept. of Human Services

  • Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

  • Self-pay

*We partner with DVR and recommend connecting with them first! Get started with DVR by following the link below to the DVR Interest and Referral Form.

APPLY HERE

Locations

Littleton: 2506 West Alamo Ave. Littleton, CO 80120
Park Hill: 1785 Quebec St. Denver, CO 80220 

Questions

Contact our Workforce Development Coordinator, at
callie@dirtcoffee.org

Prefer to Call?

CALL US HERE

Interested in sponsoring this program?

SPONSOR HERE