Growth, Impact, and Inspiration
As summer draws to a close, we celebrate the incredible group of Elevate+ interns who have spent the past several months making their mark on organizations across our network. Most will wrap up their internships by tomorrow, but the skills they’ve built, the relationships they’ve formed, and the contributions they’ve made will have a lasting impact far beyond this season.
From day one, our interns dove into their roles—embracing challenges, taking on new responsibilities, and finding confidence in their abilities. One student reflected, “Honestly, this was a great experience. I felt a part of something bigger despite my self doubts—doubts in which I have gotten rid of.”
Others returned for a second summer, eager to build on their prior experiences. “It was my second year working the Vivid Dreamers camp and I was very happy to be back!” Another shared, “My internship this year was a very different experience than the year before. We had more children join the program and since one of the regular staff was on maternity leave, I had to step up and be more active with the behind the scenes of the camp. I enjoyed every part of my time at the Lyman Allyn.”
Our host mentors echoed this enthusiasm, praising their interns’ professionalism, initiative, and adaptability:
- “Stephanie was great at multitasking, professional writing, and event hosting.”
- “Isaiah has great communication skills and always provided timely updates and was not afraid to ask questions or get clarification.”
- “Sierra was very independent and managed her time well… It was also great getting to know her!”
Beyond their workplace contributions, interns engaged in Elevate+’s professional development programming. Popular sessions included our Job Readiness class—equipping students with the skills to confidently enter the workforce—and our Role Model Speaker Series, which connected them with inspiring professionals who shared their career journeys and insights. They also attended a spring Candidate Strategies for Success session to prepare them for their interviews, a masterclass series that covered personal branding and effective communication, and several networking events.
As one student put it, “I am truly grateful for this internship opportunity and the valuable experience I have gained throughout the summer. I can’t thank this program enough!”
To our interns: thank you for your hard work, your curiosity, and your courage to grow. To our host partners: thank you for welcoming these young professionals into your organizations and investing in their futures. And to our supporters: your belief in our mission makes all of this possible.
Here’s to a summer of learning, leadership, and lasting impact—and to all the bright futures ahead.
