News & Updates

Young people often struggle post-high school because they don’t feel prepared to make career decisions. But that changes when career exploration and guidance opportunities are offered during high school.

Thanks to your partnership, students are getting this chance through a brand-new UWMC initiative called Summer H.E.A.T.

Through a nine-week internship experience, area high school students were placed with partnering businesses in the H.E.A.T. sector (Health/Hospitality, Engineering/Education, Agri-Business, and Technology). In addition to paid summer employment, interns also completed career development sessions.

“Before the Summer H.E.A.T program, I was worried about being able to find a job that

would accept me while in high school. After I finished, I was confident in my working abilities,” said Le Roy High School student Jaelyn Brumfield, further stating that the connections and experience in the working environment were invaluable.

The 2024 pilot hosted 11 interns, including Brumfield, who were each placed with 3 business partners: Little Jewels Learning Center (Education), Rob Dob’s Restaurant & Bar (Hospitality), and Westminster Village (Healthcare). Three local teachers, Sarah Palermo, Kitty Belsly, and Tammy Barba, also served as internship liaisons. Finally, Rebecca Henderson (SMARTpath) and UWMC staff provided essential skills training, career exploration, and professional development.

Julie Dobski, owner of Rob Dob’s Restaurant and Little Jewels Learning Center, noted the following: “By mentoring these young individuals, businesses help cultivate a skilled future workforce and ensure a pipeline of talented professionals. Participating in Summer H.E.A.T. supports the personal and professional development of local youth and also strengthens the bond between businesses and the community, leading to mutual long-term benefits.”

Through the initiative, interns received more than 18 hours of career guidance guidance and skills development, and over 2,000 hours of hands-on experience in hospitality, education and healthcare.  

We call that a win!