The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department (MPD) and Georgia State University (GSU) announced they are partnering to offer a paid internship to assist eligible students in completing their degree requirements.

The pilot internship program allows seniors graduating from GSU’s Criminal Justice and Criminology Department the opportunity to work up to 20-hours a week with MPD, receiving $15 per hour.

“There is no more noble profession than police work and I believe it’s important that young people interested in criminal justice work enter the job with their eyes open to the challenges and rewards that come with it,” said Scott Kreher, MARTA police chief. “This partnership with GSU gives interns real world experience and an advantage when applying for jobs after graduation.”

Eligible students are required to serve in three areas of MPD over the course of the semester: Police Communications, Criminal Investigation, and Uniformed Patrol. Once selected, interns will be brought on as part-time MARTA employees and attend a short orientation program.

After successful completion of the internship and required testing, they will be given priority hiring status if they apply for a position within MPD and be eligible for hiring incentives.

“We’re grateful that MARTA recognizes the importance of interns and the financial realities of our students. We believe these internships will offer MARTA the opportunity to vet high-quality students and offer our students the opportunity to experience firsthand what it’s like to work in a law enforcement agency as they consider their careers and beyond,” said Michael Shapiro, clinical associate professor at GSU.

The pilot program continues until July, giving seven seniors experience and MPD the help and time to vet them as potential new hires. GSU said it is actively working with juniors on selecting and applying for the internship in hopes of expanding the program.