Elevate+ Kicks Off Planning for Summer 2026 Internships

Andrew Walker • October 15, 2025

Gearing up for a great summer ahead

As Elevate+ looks ahead to Summer 2026, we’re excited to begin preparations for another season of creating transformative, paid internship opportunities for students from underserved communities.

This fall, we’re holding information sessions in late October and November for organizations interested in hosting Elevate+ interns next summer. These sessions will provide an overview of our program, highlight success stories from past years, and outline how to get involved as a host partner.

Partnering with Elevate+

Elevate+ funds intern wages for nonprofit host organizations, making it easy for community-based nonprofits to provide meaningful, paid work experiences. For-profit hosts are invited to self-fund their interns’ wages, while their students benefit from the same rich professional development programming that sets Elevate+ apart—our skill-building workshops, role model conversation series, and networking events.

Strengthening Our Curriculum

Behind the scenes, Elevate+ trustees and volunteers are currently reviewing and enhancing our professional development curriculum. Their goal is to ensure our programming remains relevant, impactful, and fully integrated across all components—creating a more cohesive and holistic experience for our interns. This continuous improvement means Elevate+ interns will have even greater opportunities to build confidence, develop key workplace skills, and connect with mentors and peers.

A New Way to Get Involved: Career Journey Mentors

We’re also thrilled to introduce a new volunteer opportunity for those eager to make a lasting impact. Our Career Journey Mentor program pairs volunteers with Elevate+ alumni for up to one year following their internships. Mentors provide light-touch guidance to help graduates leverage their internship experience as they pursue their next opportunity—whether that’s another internship, a job, or continued education. The commitment is modest, but the impact can be life-changing.

Join Us
If your organization is interested in hosting an Elevate+ intern or learning more about our programs, please visit www.elevate-plus.org or contact us to reserve your spot at an upcoming information session. Together, we can continue leveling the playing field with paid internships and professional development that change lives.

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Showing Up Is Only the First Step

By Aguie Barrantes • July 8, 2026

Walking into a networking event alone is not exactly comfortable. I didn't know anyone, and I wasn't sure I belonged there. But somewhere between the first conversation and the second, that feeling changed. This summer, as the Marketing & Communications Intern at Elevate+ , I've learned that internships are about much more than completing projects. Managing and developing the Intern Spotlight posts, creating social media content, and building a content calendar and other marketing materials, including this blog post, have strengthened my organization, creativity, and communication skills. My biggest takeaway has been that building a personal brand starts before anyone is watching . Outside of Elevate+, one of my professors from Seton Hall introduced me to the opportunity to attend a two-day networking event at Next League. While I was nervous at first, I reminded myself that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone . Connecting with students and professionals across the sports industry showed there isn't one path to success. Alongside Elevate+, I’ve also balanced two other part-time jobs with FC Motown and Momento. Whether it’s working long hours in the summer heat or adjusting to unexpected changes during a live event, I’ve learned that success comes from being adaptable and thinking on the fly. These experiences have shown me that the most valuable growth happens when you’re willing to step up and show up , regardless of the circumstances. Looking back on the first half of the summer, I’ve realized that my biggest growth hasn't come from checking projects off a list. It's come from putting myself in unfamiliar situations, asking questions, and embracing opportunities that once felt intimidating . As I head into the second half of the summer, my goal is to be more intentional about following up with the professionals I meet. I've had the opportunity to connect with many people, but I want those conversations to turn into meaningful, lasting relationships. Showing up is only the first step; following up is what makes a connection memorable .