FAQ

From Classroom to Career
Stepping Stones
Makes the Leap Easy

A free, in-person program for recent high school graduates, (≤ 3 years), residing in Montgomery County, MD, who are not currently enrolled in college. Stepping Stones builds professional skills that position you for an paid internship. Employers gain motivated, workforce‑ready, entry-level talent supported by FM Talent.

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Employer/Partner Apply
Graduate/Intern Apply
Community Partner Apply

  • Dates

    Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

    July 14-16, 2026

    July 21-22 & 23, 2026

  • Location

    FM Talent Office

    912 Thayer Avenue, Suite 300 / Silver Spring, Maryland / 20910

  • Eligibility

    HS grads within 3 years

    Must have transportation

  • Free to participants

    Spots are limited

Internships: Graduates are eligible for an 8-week paid internship (example: HR, Finance, Admin, IT, Recruiting, Ops, Customer Service). Each intern is paired with a corporate mentor and supported by FM Talent.

What is
Stepping Stones?

Stepping Stones is an 18-hour, in-person workforce readiness program that equips emerging talent with the mindsets and skills employers want on day one: growth mindset, professionalism, communication, customer service, workplace etiquette, time management, and accountability. It’s a mission-driven initiative within FM Talent.

  • 18 hours of in-person training

  • 2 weeks, Tue, Wed, Thu evenings

  • 8-week paid internship pathway

  • Corporate mentor for each intern

  • Free for participants; limited spots

Request More Info
Graduate/Intern Apply

  • Confidence & Clarity

    Identify strengths, explore paths, build presence.

  • Mentorship

    Corporate mentor + FM Talent support for every intern.

  • Resume & Interviews

    Hands-on resume building, mock interviews, LinkedIn.

  • Real-world Experience

    8-week paid internship pathway.

Curriculum Highlights (18 Hours)

Growth Mindset & Professionalism

  • Own your development

  • Office etiquette & email basics

  • Reliability & accountability

Communication & Service

  • Customer service fundamentals

  • Presentation skills

  • Conflict navigation

Time Management
& Tools

  • Prioritization

  • Calendar & task systems

  • Intro to LinkedIn

For Employers & Hiring Leaders

Host an 8-week paid intern and strengthen your early-career pipeline. Our graduates arrive workforce-ready and supported by FM Talent.

How it Works

  1. Submit partner interest form

  2. Define role & mentor

  3. We match workforce-ready interns

  4. 8-week paid internship (with support)

  5. Hire with $0 conversion fee

  • Reduced ramp-up time & higher retention

  • Corporate mentor model + FM Talent support

  • No fee to convert intern to employee

Become an Employer Partner
Request Details

For Schools & Community Organizations

Help us reach graduates who will thrive with access, mentorship, and exposure. We partner with high schools, workforce boards, youth nonprofits, churches, and community centers to recruit participants, host info sessions, and co-create success pathways.

Apply as Community Partner
Invite Us to Present

18 Hrs

Career-ready training

Outcomes That Matter

8 Weeks

Paid internship pathway

$0

Conversion fee to hire

Frequently Asked Questions

  • High school graduates within the last 3 years who can attend in-person evening sessions and have their own transportation.

  • No. The program is free to participants. Spots are limited…early application encouraged.

  • Graduates may start 8-week paid internships as early as December 2025 through January 2026, depending on partner needs.

  • A one-time program investment that covers intern compensation.