Question 1

Is it really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes — free forever. AI Ready Interns is a community resource, not a SaaS product. There's no paywall, no premium tier, and no credit card required.

Question 2

How much time does hosting an intern take?

Accepted Answer

Plan on 2–4 hours per week: a short check-in (weekly, biweekly, or monthly cadence you choose), reviewing their work, and an end-of-cycle evaluation. The platform gives you templates so you're not building the program from scratch.

Question 3

Do we have to have AI experience?

Accepted Answer

No. The platform helps you scope a useful project — AI-adjacent or not. Interns bring fresh eyes; you bring the business context.

Question 4

How do interns get matched to our role?

Accepted Answer

You post a role with the skills and timeline. Interested students apply, you review applicants in a single inbox, and you choose.

Question 5

What if it doesn't work out?

Accepted Answer

Programs end. The platform supports early closeouts with a brief exit evaluation so both sides get something useful out of it.

Question 6

Who is behind this?

Accepted Answer

A volunteer-led group of Richmond operators, including Xponent21 as our pilot host. See the About page for more.

Question 7

Who is eligible?

Accepted Answer

Anyone in or near Greater Richmond looking for a real internship — high school, college, post-grad, or career-changers. There's no GPA or school requirement.

Question 8

Do I need AI experience?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Some roles are AI-focused, others are general business projects. We list the skills each role wants up front.

Question 9

Is this paid?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the host business. Each role lists whether it's paid, stipend, or for-credit. The platform doesn't take a cut either way.

Question 10

How long are internships?

Accepted Answer

Most run 8–12 weeks, with a check-in cadence you and your host agree on (weekly, biweekly, or monthly).

Question 11

What do I get out of it?

Accepted Answer

Real work on a real project, a structured evaluation you can show future employers, and a Richmond network.

Question 12

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Browse open roles, apply with a short profile and resume link. The host reviews and reaches out. There's no fee.