Southeast Alaska Independent Living and Takshanuk Watershed Council’s Summer Work Program wrapped up last week.
The program, which offers professional experience for students 14 and older, had record-high participation this year with 11 interns.
“When you have that many people, you can certainly get a lot done. I think a lot of the organizations have been grateful to have our help,” SAIL employment specialist Amy Mae said.
Interns did work for the recycling center, sculpture garden, Mosquito Lake Community Center, Southeast Alaska State Fair, SAIL and Takshanuk Watershed Council, each intern working a total of 160 paid hours over the course of the summer.
“They did an amazing job at SAIL, helping us landscape and organize our durable medical loan closet. It was a big mess, but now it’s beautiful and well organized,” SAIL assistant director Sierra Jimenez said.
The penultimate work day of the summer took place at the fairgrounds on July 15.
“SAIL interns get things done faster than I expected. They defy my expectations, that’s for sure,” fair assistant director Maddy Witek said.
For many interns, it’s their first work experience, Jimenez said.
“The main goal for this program is for kids to have their first work experience be really positive and give back to the community and learn skills and be set up for the future,” she said. “We talk a lot about customer service, attitude, showing up on time, communication, how to talk to a supervisor–all those important work skills that aren’t necessarily taught in school.”
The summer program, in its sixth year, is partially funded by a grant from the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. In its first summer, the program had two interns, and participation has grown each year, Jimenez said.
She said the vocational rehabilitation grant is dedicated to students who require additional support. Additional funding from Takshanuk Watershed Council and the Chilkat Valley Community Foundation ensures the program is open to all students.