Arthur Blank Family Foundation

By MILO IPPOLITO/Staff

A new summer internship program in Atlanta is providing high school students with job experience --- and cash. And the nonprofits where they work get free help in a tight budget year.

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is providing $300,000 to pay the interns to work at nonprofit agencies.

"With so many budgets cut this year, it really was an extra pair of hands," said Laureen Lamb, director of youth programs at the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, which is coordinating the program.

The 10-week program has provided internships to 88 high school students at 58 nonprofit organizations. More than 300 students applied for the internships, which began June 8 and end Aug. 8.

"We help provide internship opportunities for young people to contribute to their community, to learn about careers in the nonprofit world and to stay out of trouble," said Ira A. Jackson, former president of the Buckhead-based foundation.

Students in the Blank Family Fellows internship program are paid $6 to $8 per hour, depending on age and experience. MARTA passes are provided for those who take public transportation.

Organizers say the internships will help students gain experience in commuting, community service, leadership and money management. And they get to work at fun places such as Zoo Atlanta, the Alliance Theatre and SciTrek. One intern helps conduct activities for children who attend day camp at the zoo.

"If we have an animal encounter, I'm keeping them quiet so they don't scare the animals," said Danielle Hudson, 16, a junior at Avondale High School in Decatur, who has participated in demonstrations involving snakes, tarantulas, chinchillas, iguanas, parrots and tortoises.

Two more are working as photographers assigned to capture the action during weeklong summer camps at SciTrek.

Desiree McNair and Kayla Williams said they found the work to be surprisingly fun.

"I thought it was going to be boring, every day you know what you are going to do, fold paper, lick envelopes, get cuts, get paid and go home," said Kayla, 15, a North Atlanta High School sophomore who wants to be an astronaut.

"If it's going to be like this, I like it," said Desiree, 17, a West Lake High School senior, who wants to be a pediatrician.

Other interns help teachers at summer drama camp at the Alliance Theatre.

"These kids were mini-teachers," Jackson said after stopping by the Alliance to watch the interns in action. "There was an affinity that really resonated with these young children."

Before beginning their internships, the students were trained in financial literacy, communication, team building and workplace ethics.

The program ends with a party Aug. 8. at the Georgia World Congress Center, followed by a visit to the Georgia Dome to watch the Falcons play Green Bay in a preseason NFL game.

Organizers expect to resume the program next summer, getting the word out to applicants through their high school guidance counselors. Students must live and go to school in Fulton or DeKalb County to qualify. Applicants are evaluated based on their grades, extracurricular activities and an interview. Preference is given to students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, but families of all incomes are considered.

"We think the future of this city is in good hands when you look into the eyes of these young people," Jackson said of the current interns. "They're giving back with a lot of enthusiasm and joy."

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