Summer Internship Program – Elevate Your Game

LONG BEACH, CA- Northpointe teens had the opportunity to spend their summer learning vital skills that will last them a lifetime. Five teens from the Elevate Your Game program at Northpointe Apartments had the opportunity to work as interns at some of the city’s most prestigious organizations this summer. The organizations included: the dental office of Dr. Wendy Harris D.D.S, Compton Fire Department, Sheriff’s Youth Athletic League, and Mercy Housing. This unique opportunity allowed the teens to experience firsthand what it takes to work in a professional environment, explore possible career and educational options, and give back to the community.

Program Direction and Co-founder Michael Freeman wanted the teens to gain real world knowledge of the work environment and the invaluable skills that come along with integrating the teens in the workforce early on.  When asked what the teens learned, some common themes were punctuality, doing your best, and giving back. Gabrielle, a teen that interned at Mercy housing, said “(I learned) always be on time, you can’t just rush things. You have to check if everything is right.” Tjerra—who interned at the dental office of Dr. Wendy Harris, D.D.S—reflected “I learned to be punctual, always greet patients, and to be gentle.” In addition to learning professional skills, the internships also gave the teens an opportunity to give back to the community.  After interning with the Sheriff’s Youth Athletic League, DeUnte shared, “I want to uplift the youth, because I was uplifted as a kid. I might as well give back.”

These internships were not just about hands on experience and exposure to the workforce; Elevate Your Game also aims to open the teen’s eyes to career choices they may not have previously considered. As a result of the internship, Tjerra says “I want to become a nurse, and continue to higher my degree,” and Lyle states “I might want to join the Navy and be a medic to help the soldiers.”      Each year this program provides these opportunities to a new cohort of teens, helping them to look to the future with this real world experience to propel them forward.