BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) announced Tuesday announced a new initiative of its Talent Development department, InternBR, designed to provide student interns with professional development and training. The eight-week program will take place June and July. It will include lunch and learn sessions, extended outings and a graduations ceremony.

Applicants for the program will be accepted through Friday, Apr. 22.

"Ensuring a pipeline of qualified talent for Baton Rouge Area employers is a priority for continued growth," Adam Knapp, BRAC president and chief executive officer, said.

"Our objective with the InternBR program is not only to complement the on-the-job training students receive through internships, but also to connect millennial talent with all the Capital Region has to offer, ultimately keeping Baton Rouge on their radar as a great place to live and work after graduation," he said.

The program will include professional communication and leadership topics such as communication styles, email and workplace etiquette, personal branding and interview preparation. Participants will aslo have to the opportunity to experience a service and social event to connect them with young professional organizations in the area.

Interested participants must have a summer internship in the Baton Rouge Area,  and the ability to attend lunch and learn sessions each Friday of June and July with permission from a direct supervisor. Selected candidates for the program will be notified in May. Interns and employers may complete the application and learn more online at internbr.com.