Submitted by Keith Weider, EIP Coordinator
The Aurora Public Schools Executive Internship Program is proud to have hosted the EIP sponsor appreciation dinner for the first time in nearly two years. This dinner is held twice each year to recognize the invaluable learning experiences students in the EIP earn through their volunteer service and show appreciation to the sponsors for hosting the interns. Sponsors host unpaid interns for a minimum of 90 hours over an academic semester while student interns learn critical skills related to their future career goals.
Seven students were awarded scholarships ranging from $500 to $1000 toward future post-secondary costs. Three scholarship recipients, Halena Gebreselassie, Chloe Wetzel, and Daniel Volden, each received $1,000, and four recipients, Caesar Cross, Oludurotimi Ola, Achisa Panichakul, and Julie Yoon, each received $500. Additionally, over 30 students were recognized for earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes citizens who volunteer a minimum of 100 hours. Three students, Adekunle Adebayo, Michelle Uribe-Meza, and Danielle Volden, stood out by completing over 175 hours of volunteer time, earning the Silver PVSA. The dinner was well-attended by over 200 students, their sponsors, family members, and advisory members.
Former intern and Rangeview High School graduate Mrs. Kandace (Wilkins) Ahumada returned as a special guest speaker, sharing her experiences during her internship. She encouraged the current group of interns to believe in themselves and to continue working toward their goals despite any challenges. Current interns Ricky Hernandez, Ariana Villasenor, and Emmajyn Walker served as hosts for the evening, keeping the event moving smoothly.
The EIP boasts partnerships with top-notch businesses, hospitals, schools, city services, police, veterinary services, and many more. Students in the Executive Internship Program have the opportunity to work with a professional in their desired career field, spending 90 or more hours at their internship site completing work assignments, attending meetings, and developing special projects requested by the sponsor. The intern has the opportunity to make contributions to the organization while achieving personal, academic, and career growth and “test driving” career fields before committing time and money toward college preparation.
The program has great sponsors and is always looking for more! If you or a business you know is interested, visit the EIP website or contact EIP Program Director and Coordinator Kim Wisneski at 303-344-4910, ext. 27745. Students interested in interning should contact their school counselor.
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