ACTIVATE: CITY SUMMER (ACS)
By Paige Whalen, Director of Apprenticeship Programs
This summer we launched our pilot program, Activate: City Summer, where 15 rising ninth graders from Boston Public Schools embarked on an immersive paid internship. With a focus on hands-on learning, ACS honed employment skills and ignited passions. ACS was hosted in person at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, providing a dynamic setting for five weeks of growth. Workshops, worksite explorations, and engaging activities were the core of the program. Interns also completed the Signal Success curriculum, equipping them with essential career readiness.
Community building thrived through daily meetings and leadership opportunities. Interns showcased their progress through deliverables, while our “work, courage, and community ready” ethos guided their success. As ACS concluded, interns left with heightened confidence, new skills, and some with clearer career aspirations.
Highlights from each of our workplace explorations include:
- A memorable journey to Allandale farm, where the head farmer shared their inspiring career journey, and interns crafted a delectable salad using the farm’s produce.
- Spending an exhilarating day with pilots at Above the Clouds where interns transformed sheet metal into innovative airplanes, crafted a voice-activated light system, played a flight simulation game, and stepped inside a private jet.
- Meeting with personal trainers at JET Boston, where they assisted interns in crafting impressive resumes and refining interview skills. Our interns left not only physically energized but also equipped with the tools to present themselves confidently in any professional setting.
- A visit to the MBTA provided our interns with an exclusive look at the world of engineering and transportation. They toured the facilities, gaining insights into the intricate workings of public transit systems.
- Creativity and teamwork were put to the test as interns crafted paper boats for an exciting race at Community Boat Building. Beyond the fun, this experience showcased the importance of innovation and collaboration in the world of non-profit work.
- Our interns delved into the world of bike mechanics, learning essential skills to maintain and repair bicycles.
- Interns met with skilled electricians from Eversource who demonstrated the art of replacing a transformer. This hands-on encounter provided invaluable insights into the world of electrical engineering and the vital role it plays in powering our lives.
CITY SUMMER INTERNSHIP (CSI)
By Jomarys Solano, Program Specialist
As the summer sun sets on an unforgettable experience, we’re excited to share the remarkable journey of this year’s City Summer Internship program. For five weeks, our interns embarked on a captivating exploration of careers in the bustling heart of Boston. With an unwavering focus on career-readiness, they delved into various industries, collaborating seamlessly among themselves and with our esteemed worksite partners.
A standout achievement was the completion of the Blueprint Capstone Project, inspired by the timeless words of Martin Luther King. Much like his speech that emphasized the power of visualizing and acting on one’s dreams, our interns exhibited their creativity and dedication by solving real-world challenges. Guided by the Signal Success curriculum, they fine-tuned essential skills crucial for their professional growth, making strides in communication, problem-solving, and self-awareness.
But it wasn’t just about work—this summer was infused with advocacy, laughter, and unwavering support. Our interns embraced every moment, forming bonds that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. The Apprentice Learning staff had an absolute blast guiding and learning alongside these remarkable young minds, witnessing their potential unfold and blossom.
As we bid adieu to an extraordinary summer, we’re thrilled to witness the ripple effect of this experience as our interns step confidently into their future careers. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the City Summer Internship program—a true testament to the bright future of Boston’s workforce.
