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Students, employers sing praises of STEM intern program
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By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
Four city high school students have spent six weeks learning hands-on about their prospective careers.
It’s part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Outreach Initiative Program. It’s a collaboration among Youngstown State University’s STEM College, the city schools, the AT&T Foundation and local employers.
Drucella Garcia, 17, a senior at Chaney’s STEM/Visual and Performing Arts School this fall, learned about engineering at MS Consultants.
She worked on plans for a retaining wall, revising, rewriting and taking notes. She also worked on the computer-aided design program.
“I caught on quick,” Drucella said.
Bill Ruggles, technical services manager there, agreed.
“She’s a very bright young lady,” he said.
Chaney student Tim Sharp, who’s interested in technology, worked at Brilex Industries through the internship program. Youngstown Early College students Cheyenne Cato and TaiJaune Robinson, whose interests are in nursing and engineering, worked at Humility of Mary Health Partners and M-7 Technologies, respectively.
Pam Lubich, Chaney STEM coordinator, said students had to apply for the internships, submit resumes, write essays and interview with employers.
Drucella said she wrote her essay about Steve Jobs, her interest and aptitude toward engineering.
“I tooted my own horn a bit,” she said.
Ruggles said the Youngstown MS office patterned the internship after what the Columbus office uses with Columbus City Schools students.
Drucella spent time during her six weeks at the company, rotating through the company’s departments from engineering and architecture to bridges, highways and planning.
“She’s really lucky to have this experience,” Ruggles said. “Even when I was going to college, I didn’t know what I wanted to go in to.”
Sherri L. Hrusovski, coordinator of STEM student professional services at YSU, said the outreach program originated from YSU’s STEM Advisory Council, comprised of area business people.
A $20,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation funds the program, but employers pay the interns $8.50 hourly.
“We want to show students that they can get experience in their field and earn more than minimum wage,” Hrusovski said.
Lubich said the program is looking for additional companies and students to participate next year. Companies are asked for a six-to-eight-week commitment with students working at least four hours per day. Companies within the city limits are preferred as some students may have transportation limitations, the STEM coordinator said.
Drucella said other students considering a STEM internship should consider whether their interests mesh with the duties involved.
“I would recommend it,” she said. “It’s fun. It was a great experience.”