Two VCU students honored by the Colonial Heights City Council for internship contributions
Through collaboration with multiple VCU units and the City of Colonial Heights, two VCU students left their mark while gaining real-world experience, college credit, and a paid internship.
VCU undergraduate students Patrice Mazyck and Camila Ballesteros spent the summer interning with the City of Colonial Heights. They made impactful contributions by supporting the city’s HR department, as well as opioid outreach and harm reduction education. At a recent council meeting, both students were recognized by city leaders for their contributions.
Their internship experience is brought together by VCU and state partners. TRIO Student Support Services, a federally funded program serving first-generation and income-eligible students as well as students with disabilities, the newly formed Academic Internships Office and Virginia Career Works – Crater Region
“Connecting first-generation students with work-based learning opportunities in the community ensures that both the participating students and current employers and business partners get a real view of what the future workforce will look like,” said Tabitha Taylor, executive director of the Crater Regional Workforce Development Board.
For many students, choosing between a paid job and an unpaid internship is a real barrier. This model removes that choice. Students are paid for their work and earn academic credit for it at the same time.
“For us, it is not simply about placing students in internships; it is about creating pathways that make those opportunities more accessible,” said Kameo Parks, VCU academic internship site development specialist.
The summer pilot is the first step in a larger partnership. This fall, at least ten TRIO SSS and Richmond Talent Pathways students will take part in paid, credit-bearing internships at sites across the Richmond region.
“We are thrilled to see the meaningful learning and skill development that students experienced through their internship settings this summer and are excited to expand the program this fall to more students.”
– Cameron Carter, VCU Academic Internships Office director
To learn more about credit-bearing internships at VCU, visit the Academic Internships Office. Students interested in TRIO support can learn more at trio.vcu.edu.
