Martha’s Table has consistently had Summer Interns from the same three programs the past few years so we wanted to show them some appreciation by telling about the opportunities and experiences they provide.

Before finding an internship, IPVS students must apply to the program and then begin the interview process, where they receive suggestions on what organizations would best fit them. This program includes Georgetown University housing, the option of 2 or 3 summer classes, a summer internship experience with internship placement, a weekly lecture series with guest speakers, and a group philanthropy project.   There are also informative site briefings, service opportunities, an optional mentor program, and social activities.

Iral Brito, a recent graduate from Mount St Mary’s College in Los Angeles, CA, interns with the Bridge program.  When asked about her experience she said “The kids have given me a new perspective about how to teach and direct a youth program. They have taught me some valuable skills that will help me in my future career. What I like the most is that these kids are able to approach me and feel comfortable calling me Ms. Iral. It has only been 8 weeks, and I feel like I have known these kids longer! They are really great kids, and I am confident to say that I have been a positive role model in their lives.” She says she has learned a lot about her own strengths and weakness from her time interning with the Bridge Program.  She said the kids have also taught her a lot about the value of promoting higher education and youth literacy and the need for it in impoverished/low-income communities.  Her most meaningful moment with Martha’s Table was one of the kids beat her in Connect Four.  She said, “I was unbeatable for some time, but I could tell that this kid was really strategizing and was so eager to beat me. When he finally did, he was stoked! He was so proud and winning against me raised his confidence.”  She said she also enjoys playing cards and board games with the kids because “they get really competitive, and it makes me happy when they apply their math and spelling skills”

Kāmel Lovejoy is also an Intern with the Bridge Program.  He is a student at New England College majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology.  He has had the opportunity to facilitate workshops, plan budgeting and finance for field trips, and help the kids.  Kāmel has even been able to create and lead a workshop on diversity for the Bridge Program.  He says “everyday is a new adventure, and I have loved getting to know the students at Martha’s Table as well as my classmates in the TFAS program. 

Carling Andrews, a rising junior at Elon University, is the Development Intern from the IPVS program.  Every day, Carling engages in programs in Martha’s Table by taking pictures of events and daily activities, writing blogs and updating the social media. She has learned a lot about social media and how it can be implemented by nonprofits through working in the Development program at Martha’s Table. Through her classes, Carling has learned how complicated working at a nonprofit can be and the many details that need to be considered in order to successfully run a nonprofit organization. “It has been a rewarding experience with many great opportunities.  I have learned a lot from my internship with Martha’s Table, as well as through the different classes, seminars, and site visits provided by the IPVS program.  I have loved working at Martha’s Table and am looking forward to the rest of my summer here!”  For more information about TFAS and the IPVS program visit: http://www.dcinternships.org/ipvs/about/index.asp

Thank you to the IPVS for including us in your internship opportunities for students!

Interested in having your program involved with Martha’s Table? Contact Nadia Sicard, Development and Volunteer Coordinator, at Turn on JavaScript!.