Juniors at New Albany High School (NAHS) continue to be provided opportunities that have the potential to open doors for their future careers. This summer 42 students are enjoying this unique workplace experience.
In late April, these students were recognized and formally signed certificates to participate in the summer internship program. The Internship Signing Day and luncheon was held at 1907 Event Venue in New Albany.
“One of the goals of our five-year strategic plan is to prepare all students to be college and career ready,” explained Superintendent Dr. Lance Evans. “Our internship program officially kicked off during the 2018-2019 school year and since that time more than 200 students have benefited from the program. Many students from that first group of interns recently graduated from college. We are working on some pieces so that we can track these students and receive feedback on how meaningful their internship was to their future plans.”
Evans added that these internship initiatives include students who wish to go directly into the workforce or pursue different levels of education past high school.
The IMPACTO (Industry as a Means to Prepare for Academic, Career, & Technology Opportunities) Internship program is being implemented by the New Albany School District in collaboration with local businesses and industries, Northeast Mississippi Community College, and Blue Mountain Christian University. Funding is provided in part by Three Rivers Planning & Development District-EPIC, CREATE Foundation, Toyota Wellspring Education Fund and other grant programs.
All students in this program completed a Career Readiness class in the fall or spring. Of the 42 students, 34 also earned dual enrollment credit for college level courses; 27 students earned Silver or higher on the ACT WorkKeys assessment; and, 3 students earned other national certifications through specific Career & Technical Education courses. Skills and concepts learned in the Career Readiness class, as well as other academic and CTE classes have prepared them for a 100-hour summer internship.
Students participating in the IMPACTO program, along with their internship partners include:
Aiyana Brock, Illume Academy
Allie Bullock, Camp Creek Natives
Ashley Castelan, Tippah County Animal Clinic
Leslie Castelan, Tippah County Hospital
Jacob Christ, Weeden Eye Clinic
Heidi Clayton, MODA
Ruby Cortez, United Funeral Home
Carine Delfin, CREATE
Matthew Durrett, Stanfield Metalworks
Issac Gilbert, Terry Young Construction
Samantha Gonzalez, King Therapies
Laken Gordon, Mercier Dental
Casey Hernandez, Cardiology Associates
Lauren Hobson, Regional Rehab
Jayla Ingram, Kountry Kids
Lane Johnson, New Albany Light, Gas & Water
Landry Kent, New Albany Elementary School
Madison Little, MedPlus
Chandler Mathis, Elite Physical Therapy
George Murff, Kevin Charles
Janayla Oliver, New Albany Animal Clinic
Paul Owen, Masterbilt
Jay Patel, Creekmore Clinic
Cade Pipkin, Rowan Family Dentistry
DJ Robinson, Rachel Ray Real Estate
Zyon Robinson, Union County Sheriff’s Office
Nicole Strockbine, South Financial/Magnolia Drugs
Mason Tate, Ole Miss Sports
Addison Vetovitz, Mitias Orthopaedics
Dezuray Rodgers, New Albany Health & Rehab
Madison Bails, New Albany Health & Rehab
Kaneesha Simmons, New Albany Health & Rehab
Mac Blackburn, Hyperion Technology
Owen Richey, Hyperion Technology
Jeb Bolen, Athletico
Laken Hopkins, Athletico
Chloe Hudson, Advanced OB/GYN
Ciara Smith, Advanced OB/GYN
Lucy King, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County
Emily Ohler, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County
Josh Germany was selected to represent NAHS in the “Creating Your Future: Toyota High School Accelerated Production Program” sponsored by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi. This selective program began in mid-January and ran through May. He worked fifteen hours per week for fifteen weeks. Through this work/study learning program, he learned lean manufacturing principles, efficient workplace organization practices, and problem-solving skills. Throughout this process, Germany received a variety of certifications as well as experienced the production floor.
Sam Derrick was selected to represent NAHS in the Jane Spain Internship Program sponsored by the CREATE Foundation. This five-month program is designed specifically for seniors. These students attended four classes at Itawamba Community College-Belden Campus during the semester to learn workplace skills and worked 100 hours in a field of career aptitude and interest. At the end of the internship and as a culminating project, Derrick presented his experience with Creekmore Clinic to a large crowd at the CREATE Foundation
“It has been exciting to prepare these students for the internship process and to connect them to local industries where they can pursue additional training in their career choices,” said Beth Benson, Workforce Development Coordinator for the New Albany School District. “We are so appreciative of the businesses and industries who have continued to support our vision and goals and are hosting these student interns this summer.”
