Elevate+ Grows Stronger

A tree is standing on top of a grassy hill.

At Elevate+, we are continually refining and improving our work to better support the students, mentors, employers, and community partners who are vital to our mission. As we grow, we’re making meaningful investments in program design, technology, and communications—all designed to help us scale our impact while staying true to our core purpose: creating equitable access to paid internships and professional development for underserved students. Here’s a glimpse of what’s new:

1. Stronger Professional Development, Stronger Candidates

We’re expanding and deepening our professional development offerings to ensure our interns are equipped not just with opportunity—but with the skills and confidence to succeed. Two recent additions exemplify this approach. Candidate Strategies for Success prepares students to navigate the application and interview process with intention, clarity, and professionalism. Meanwhile, Dynamic Communication: Uncover Your Superpower is a masterclass designed to help students discover and strengthen their unique communication style—a vital skill in any career path. These sessions build on our existing programming and reflect our commitment to helping students show up prepared and empowered.

2. A New Website to Match Our Momentum

We’re excited to be in the final stages of launching a brand-new Elevate+ website. Designed to be more intuitive, visually engaging, and reflective of our values and impact, the new site will make it easier for students, families, partners, and supporters to learn about what we do—and why it matters. We can’t wait to share it with you soon!

3. Smarter Tools for Growing Impact

As Elevate+ expands, so do our operational needs. That’s why we’re moving beyond spreadsheets and email threads to implement Neon One, a robust CRM platform that will help us better manage relationships, improve communications, and streamline the internship placement process. It’s a big step forward in our efforts to deliver consistent, high-quality experiences for all our stakeholders.

Together, these advancements are more than just behind-the-scenes improvements—they strengthen our foundation and position us to grow responsibly, serve more students, and deepen our impact in the years ahead.

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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 .