By: Cameron Moore
The Community Impact Internship Program (CIIP) is the Center for Social Concern’s paid summer internship initiative that connects Johns Hopkins University (JHU) undergraduate students with nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Baltimore City. This program offers an intensive, cohort-based learning environment. This year, 50 undergraduate students and 50 community partners participated in the CIIP program. On July 31st, students, community partners, and staff gathered at the Glass Pavilion to celebrate the conclusion of this year’s program. The internships, which focus on community-based projects in Baltimore City, span eight weeks, running from June to August.
CIIP closing ceremony attendees enjoying catered food at social hour
The ceremony began with a social hour, offering partners, students, and staff a chance to connect, enjoy some refreshments, and socialize. Following this, Assistant Director of Community Impact Initiatives, Michael Rush, Deputy Director, Luis Sierra Moncion, and Associate Vice Provost for Student Engagement and Dean of Students, Brittini Brown delivered the official opening remarks.
CIIP Program Assistant, Raquia Hunt, then introduced the next segment of the ceremony, where several student interns and community partners shared their experiences and the impacts they made within the community.
CIIP Intern, Jacquelyn Slade and Director of Jubilee Arts, Ashley Yates, speak on the summer internship experience
Jacquelyn Slade, a CIIP intern, spent her summer at Jubilee Arts, immersing herself in the world of art education and making a significant impact on Baltimore youth. Slade, an artist and political science major, found a unique intersection of her interests at the organization. “It’s been amazing to work with Jubilee Arts; I enjoy my placement,” she shared. Slade highlighted her appreciation for collaborating with talented artists in a new setting and relished the opportunity to work closely with students, building meaningful relationships. She particularly enjoyed the film class, where discussing challenging topics in a supportive environment fostered connections through the arts. “I believe the arts are a unifying force, and music, in particular, is important to me,” Slade remarked. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, as Ashley Yates, Director of Jubilee Arts, praised Slade’s contributions: “Jackie transformed our space in a miraculous way. Her systems and efficiency truly elevated the flow of our organization.” Slade extended her gratitude to CIIP and Jubilee Arts for the invaluable experience.
CIIP Intern, Ojas Chahal Speaks on his summer internship experience with Corner Team
Ojas Chahal, a CIIP intern and international STEM student from Canada, was placed with Corner Team, a boxing gym in Baltimore, where he served as a coach for the Summer Champions Program. During the ceremony, Chahal reflected on his internship experience: “I never anticipated that I would be working at a boxing gym this summer. I had never boxed before. I am docile and calm, and my initial impression was that boxing, like many people believe, could be violent. However, the work I have done this summer has completely changed my perspective.” Chahal emphasized that boxing involves more than just violence and revealed how he integrated his STEM expertise into his role as a boxing coach.
CIIP intern, Gretchen Persian, has embarked on a transformative journey with the Baltimore Urban Baseball Association (BUBA). Initially unfamiliar with the sport, Persian entered the BUBA facility eager to learn and adapt quickly. Her experience involved a steep learning curve, from navigating public transportation for the first time to tackling various administrative tasks such as designing flyers, writing grants, and operating equipment. Despite the challenges and occasional mistakes, Persian views these moments as essential to her growth. “Even though I worked hard at my nonprofit, I did make mistakes. At BUBA, I learned the importance of mistakes and growing through the process,” she reflects. Persian credits her supervisor, Andy Wetlinger, for his guidance and support, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity and a newfound appreciation for her community. “Working with him has been such an amazing introduction to the non-profit world. I am so grateful for this experience,” she adds.
CIIP Intern, Mufasa Moreno and Internship Supervisor, Jonathan Wirth together after being awarded his summer internship certificate
After the intern and community partner speeches, the interns were called up one by one by Michael Rush to award them their certificate, CIIP 2024 booklet, and gift. The ceremony ended out with closing remarks from Rush giving his thank you to everyone for their hard work. “Let us all leave here today with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference. Whether it is through continued service, mentorship, or simply spreading the values of community and engagement, we all have a role to play. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the impact we have made and to the future we will build together.” Rush said.
This year’s program and closing event would not have been possible without the efforts of program coordinators Raquia Hunt and Michael Rush, as well as the CIIP peer mentors Makaila Hyman, Bersabe Tilahun, Dua Hussain, Nicole Rivas, and Anusha Sarkar.
View all photos of the event here.
Assistant Director of Community Impact Initiatives, Michael Rush and Program Assistant, Raquia Hunt
CIIP peer mentors Makaila Hyman, Bersabe Tilahun, Dua Hussain, Nicole Rivas, and Anusha Sarkar
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