Hamilton students involved with the Community Outreach and Opportunity Program (COOP)’s service internship program gathered with their sponsors for a breakfast on Feb. 12 at COOP offices in the Chapel. The COOP Service Internship (CSI) program provides paid internships for service experience in a local nonprofit office over the student’s first four semesters.
The non-profit directors who supervise the interns praised their work. Cassandra Harris Lockwood K’74, president and CEO of For the Good and editor of The Utica Phoenix, remarked, “The recession has impacted so many non-profits that what the interns bring to the organization is significant. We appreciate your help.”
Lauren Getek, executive director of the Rome Art and Community Center, has two Hamilton student CSIs, Meghan O’Sullivan ’15 and Thomas Funk ’15. She said her organization has a small staff so is grateful to have the extra help.
The student-interns see the value of the partnerships too. Shea Nagle, ’16 who is an intern at Rebuilding Together Mohawk Valley commented “As a lifetime resident of the Mohawk Valley it’s rewarding to give back.” Nick Solano ’14 added, “We want to make a tradition of passing down leadership.” Hannah Cope, who interns at the House of Good Shepherd noted that she appreciates the opportunity to do “real work.”
Kate Cieplicki ’16 has already made an impact in her internship at the Utica Public Library children’s room. According to the library’s Amanda Stewart, “Kate has been great in providing new ideas in how to promote and rebrand the library.” She’s working on literacy programs based around themes; March is circus month so she’s choosing books, songs and snacks in an effort to show children “how fun reading can be.”
Hamilton’s Dean of Students Nancy Thompson remarked, “I’m so proud of what our students are doing in the Mohawk Valley and so impressed with the number of connections being made.”
