Young Adult Internship Program Celebrates at Summer Graduation
By Chelsea Jupin
Friends, family and Henry Street staff came together to celebrate the graduation of 29 young men and women who completed the Settlement’s Young Adult Internship Program (YAIP) in a ceremony held on June 20, 2014, in the historic dining room at 265 Henry Street.
The YAIP provides young adults, ages 17 to 24, with opportunities to develop work skills that will help them transition to productive careers. The graduates completed a three-week training program followed by 10-week internships in a variety of professional fields at sites such as BrightStack Technologies, First Colonial Group, and Fabtrend International.
The celebration began with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” led by graduate Johnny Lowe. Yesenia Vargas, a Henry Street staff member, told the packed room, “It’s been wonderful working with you. You bring so much energy, and so much talent, as you just saw!”
After completing their internships, YAIP participants receive up to nine months of follow-up services to help them with the next steps in their career or education. Takiyah Weekes, Director of Youth Employment Services, told the graduates they can count on Henry Street staff for support. “We’re going to call you, we’re going to email you, we’re going to text you!”
Chantia Banton, who was selected to give the graduation speech, said, “Thank you for your help, knowledge and support. The world has so much to offer, and I’ve learned that if there’s a will, there’s always a way.”
