We call it a “Summer of Purpose.” Since 1999, the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program has provided undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates an opportunity to work in Cleveland-area nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies during an 11-week paid internship. The program aligns with the foundation’s commitment to supporting Greater Cleveland’s nonprofit and public sectors, and fostering the next generation of community leaders. Learn what this year’s interns are doing during their Summer of Purpose: 

Armin Ameri, a sophomore at Duke University majoring in Economics, is placed at Refugee Response. In close cooperation with the Director of Education and Education Program Coordinator, Armin researches, designs, and implements strategies and tools that will work to support and cultivate relationships between mentors and newly settled refugee families in Cleveland.

Johnathan Brett, a junior at The Ohio State University majoring in Biological Engineering, is placed at Chagrin River Watershed Partners. Johnathan visits, assesses, and develops reports on previously completed projects across the watershed. His efforts support the implementation of a wider assessment of the long-term performance of stream and wetland restoration projects in the watershed and beyond.

Martin Cantera, a junior at Baldwin Wallace University majoring in Political Science, is placed at Hispanic Alliance Inc. Centered around Hispanic Alliance’s community engagement initiatives, Martin provides comprehensive support to the agency’s new Welcome Hub, in addition to researching and compiling information related to the Northeast Ohio Association of Hispanic Health.

Connor Collins, a graduate of Case Western Reserve University with degrees in Political Science and Sociology, is placed at the City of Shaker Heights. Connor collects and analyzes data, creates presentations, and conducts a community survey to support the City’s neighborhood revitalization project, the Moreland Rising project.

MaryTherese Escueta, a senior at Case Western Reserve University double majoring in Sociology and Dance, is placed at Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. MaryTherese develops and executes a summer listening project that blends volunteer coordination, community outreach, creative storytelling, and research as part of a broader effort to engage residents across Cuyahoga County in arts and culture opportunities.

Hannah Feldman, a junior at Tufts University double majoring in English and Political Science, is placed at Global Cleveland. Hannah develops content and resources to share with Northeast Ohio employers, international job seekers, and international students and implement more streamlined processes for Global Cleveland to connect international job seekers to local opportunities. She also assists with event planning and research.

Brittany Kincaid, a junior at John Carroll University majoring in Exercise Science, is placed at Fairhill Partners. Brittany conducts background research/stakeholder interviews, implements and analyzes surveys, and prepares reports and presentations in an effort to further Fairhill Partners’ evidence-based health programs, managed care, and volunteer recruitment.

Morgan Mackay, a junior at University of Rochester double majoring Psychology and Business, is placed at WomenSafe. Morgan develops marketing strategies for the agency, implements community outreach efforts through events and social/print media, and provides support for the summer fundraiser.

Shaelin Maresco, a senior at Baldwin Wallace University majoring in Arts Management, is placed at BayArts. Shaelin participates in the creation and utilization of marketing materials for gallery shows and events, especially the Summer Art and Music Festival. She also helps to write and submit grant proposals in addition to developing a volunteer manual.

Cheyanne Martin, a senior at Eastern Michigan University majoring in Arts and Entertainment Management, is placed at Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. Cheyanne researches, creates materials, and contacts participants involved in the Summer New Docent Training (NDT) and Special Exhibition Docent Training. She also assists in the development of child/family friendly programs and tour updates.

Adrian Monty, a senior at Mercyhurst University majoring in English, is placed at Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability. Adrian works with the Department of Sustainability implement its strategic plan and to research existing financing programs to advance Clean Energy in the region. 

Sarah Pincus, a junior at Binghamton University majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Law, is placed at Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio. Sarah develops and implements a new experiential learning program for the Anderson Center for Accessible Living. She researches, presents activities, and creates resource materials that help to build awareness of accessibility needs.

Cameron Rolland, a sophomore at Georgetown University majoring in Public Health, is placed at Neighborhood Family Practice. Cameron plays a key role in facilitating event planning for NFP’s annual signature event, engaging with donors and assisting with community outreach/engagement activities.

Katarina Smiley, a junior at Kent State University majoring in Public Health, is placed at College Now Greater Cleveland. Katarina creates a handbook of best practices to advise high school students transitioning to college, coordinates summer programming, assists with training for advisers, and supports social media and outreach efforts for College Now’s AmeriCorps programs.

Heather Smith, a senior at The College of Wooster double majoring in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Economics, is placed at the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. Heather researches and writes educational content about the prevention of sexual violence, self-care, and CRCC’s programs while developing social media content to engage local college students during on-campus orientation.

Briana Snoddy, a senior at Miami University majoring in Criminology, is placed at Towards Employment. In conjunction with staff and leadership, Briana summarizes and cites research, monitors key issues, and tracks and analyzes legislation to support Towards Employment’s advocacy agenda and broader public policy platform, working to create career pathways for individuals that face barriers to employment.

Allosious Snodgrass, a junior at Cleveland State University majoring in Political Science, is placed at The President’s Council Foundation. Allosious assists with planning the 2017 Annual Conference, develops ongoing print and electronic communications, and furthers research and data collection/analysis related to the President’s Council’s programs and services.

Jack Smith, a junior at Wittenberg University double majoring in Business Management and Urban Studies, is placed at Slavic Village Development Corporation. Jack facilitates a “Village Market” bringing together local “Makers” and connects home-based businesses with local resources and training opportunities.

Grace Turgeon, a junior at Loyola University Chicago majoring Criminal Justice, is placed at Greater Cleveland Partnership. Grace supports education and workforce projects under GCP’s Pathway Partners initiatives. With attention to social media and marketing, she assists the leadership team with recruitment and management of the True2U mentoring program, and outreach and research for GCP’s Internship Central.

We’re excited to see what this impressive group will accomplish! You can follow their work throughout the summer here on the blog where they will be writing about their experiences, and on our social media pages using #SummerOfPurpose.