The University’s Office of Community Engagement is preparing for its annual Summer Internship Program with the Syracuse City School District (SCSD). The initiative, which kicks off on July 1, aims to connect campus partners with high school seniors for a six-week internship. Jake Losowski, the associate director of community engagement at the University, has invited interested teams to apply by May 1 for hosting a summer intern.
Highlighting past experiences, intern Moo Loe Htoo gained practical skills at the SENSES Project last summer by delving into music production and podcasting areas. Entering its fifth year, the Summer Internship Program targets rising seniors involved in the SCSD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Say Yes scholarship programs, providing them hands-on opportunities to work closely with University employees and understand potential career paths.
The program’s objective remains to furnish students with real-world job experience prior to their high school graduation, enhancing their educational and professional trajectories. A rewarding aspect of engaging with interns noted by Mike Hartnett, the patrol commander in the Department of Public Safety, underscores the mutual benefits for both staff and interns. Hartnett stated, “Although it’s important to expose young people to the opportunities that exist in our organization, it is equally important and fulfilling to provide our staff with the chance to feel valued and energized by impacting young people in a positive way.”
The Office of Community Engagement collaborates with the SCSD to tailor the internship experience to match students’ goals and interests. The CTE program is focused on enabling students to develop foundational technical, academic, and leadership skills critical for success in further education or the workforce. Notable areas for potential internships include biotechnology, business technology, cybersecurity, and health professions, among others.
The University has previously facilitated internships for various learning pathways at diverse locations, such as the Barnes Center at the Arch for health professions, the Department of Public Safety for law enforcement, and Facilities Services for construction and manufacturing fields. These placements have seen successful mentorship from employees acting as career coaches.
Interns from the Say Yes scholarship initiative have similarly benefited from diverse roles on campus, ranging from administrative support to roles in summer youth programs, highlighting the varied and beneficial nature of the internship offerings.
