One internship program is helping at-risk youth in Indianapolis get a foot in the door. Click here to learn more about internships.

The Common Goal Initiative, created by the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, is meant to help students at risk of dropping out of high school connect their lessons to the real world and find a reason to stay in school. This year, about 37 students were paired with local businesses.

According to an article by The Indianapolis Star, the internships are part of a strategy by business groups and local school districts to increase graduation rates. Aside from the four- to six-week internships, the coalition also pays for programs at schools that include graduation coaches, reading initiatives and chances for students to make up classes they failed.

The main goal is to give students who have fallen behind, or who are at risk of doing so, a chance to see what they are working toward and why school is an important part of their future. While the companies putting on the internships don't pay students, they do receive a stipend from the program.

Students involved in the internships undergo training in order to learn what is expected of business employees. They also must sign a contract to show up on time, communicate with bosses and act professionally.

So far, participating businesses include: Community Hospitals, Clarian Health Partners, National Federation for High School Sports, AIT Laboratories, Ivy Tech Community College, Just Marketing International and the Indianapolis Zoo.