ABOUT US

About Elevate+

At Elevate+, we are driven by a single goal: to break the cycle of social and economic inequality by creating opportunities for underrepresented young adults. At the same time, we make it easier for other organizations to access an under-utilized pool of promising young talent. We accomplish this by raising and distributing funds to support valuable internship experiences that make a meaningful, measurable difference for participating students—getting them to even and beyond. Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that access to early professional experiences like these can increase a student’s lifetime earnings by more than $1.5 million, underscoring the transformative power of a single opportunity.

Our Story

The alarming events of May 2020 were a turning point. Faced with the deep inequities in our society, the founder of Elevate+ realized that being a passive supporter of equality wasn’t enough—it was time to act. From that moment, Elevate+ was born: a bold idea to help disrupt cycles of disadvantage by investing in the potential of underserved youth and supporting the organizations already working to create a more inclusive and equitable future.

Founded in New Jersey—one of the most economically divided and educationally segregated states in the country—Elevate+ began by addressing a clear need: equal access to formative, paid internships. We recognized that students in every community, regardless of background or zip code, deserve a fair shot at building the skills, experience, and networks that shape long-term success.

At the same time, we saw thousands of nonprofits across the state doing vital work—often under-resourced and in need of talent. By funding paid internships at these mission-driven organizations, Elevate+ creates meaningful opportunities for high school and college students from underrepresented communities, while helping nonprofits benefit from bright, motivated contributors.

Our model quickly expanded beyond New Jersey. Today, we also partner with for-profit companies that directly fund internships for Elevate+ students—proving that equity and excellence go hand in hand.

If you're interested in supporting our mission—through donations, creating internship opportunities, or connecting with talented interns—we'd love to hear from you.

The Value of Internships and the Detrimental Effect of Inequitable Access

Ample evidence shows that access to transformative, opportunity-creating internships is limited for underserved students, particularly those from marginalized and low-income backgrounds. This is substantiated by numerous articles and research papers on the subject. A few examples are provided below. Elevate+ plays an important role in addressing this societal problem

Click on each item to read the complete article in a new window

A fast company article about entry level workers can lose 6% of their wages if they don 't have this

An article with the title talking about ending unpaid internships

A screenshot of a website titled the power of work based learning

A group of people are holding puzzle pieces around a wooden table.

A group of young people are standing next to each other in front of a brick wall.

Our Staff

A woman in a pink sweater and black jacket is leaning against a wall and smiling.

Carolyn Parelli, Chief Program Officer

With a passion for social responsibility, Carolyn's career in Higher Education began in the Center for Civic Engagement at Drew University. Carolyn spent the last 5+ years providing career counseling and guidance in the Center for Internships and Career Development.

Carolyn hopes to continue breaking down barriers, improving access to opportunities, and connecting underserved students with transformative, paid internship experiences that get them to even and beyond.

A woman wearing a sweater that says ams on it

Ruqayyah Khaliq, Marketing and Communications Intern

Ruqayyah is a rising senior at Rutgers University, where she majors in Communications and minors in Human Resource Management. Her strong academic foundation and leadership experience, particularly as a member of the first co-ed fraternity, Gamma Sigma, at Rutgers, bring a valuable perspective to our work. As a Marketing Intern, Ruqayyah supports content creation, planning, and storytelling initiatives that amplify the voices of Elevate+ interns. Her enthusiasm for collaboration and passion for inclusive communication make her a vital part of our team.

A man wearing glasses and a black hoodie looks at the camera

Bakary Koné. Digital Systems Intern

Bakary is a rising junior at Georgetown University, where he studies Economics with a focus on market and behavioral economics. As a Digital Systems Intern at Elevate+, Bakary organizes and manages internal data to help tell the story of Elevate+’s growth and impact. On campus, Bakary is deeply involved in student life, serving as a student intern at the Center for Multicultural Equity and Access (CMEA), treasurer for the African Society of Georgetown, and founder of Chop It Up, a social club for Black men that provides free haircuts and space for authentic conversation. His dedication to equity and infrastructure development brings both heart and insight to our team.

A man wearing glasses and a black jacket is smiling for the camera

Andrew Walker, Founding Executive Director

Andrew Walker is the Founding Executive Director of Elevate+, a nonprofit he launched in 2021 to expand access to paid, career-building internships for students from underserved communities. A lifelong advocate for racial equity, Andrew leads Elevate+ as an unpaid volunteer, driven by a deep commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change. Under his leadership, Elevate+ has placed over 180 students into high-quality internships and developed a nationally recognized model for workforce equity. An Eagle Scout, Andrew’s work is rooted in a lifelong belief in service, opportunity, and the power of community.