2017 CIIP Program Book 2017 CIIP Program Book | Page 46

Community Partner: Thread
Intern: Tena Spencer
Site Supervisor: Neekta Khorsand
What is Thread?
Thread engages underperforming high school students confronting significant barriers outside
of the classroom by providing each one with a family of committed volunteers and increased
access to community resources. We foster students’ academic advancement and personal
growth into self-motivated, resilient, and responsible citizens.
"Although I had previously interned at Thread and am now going into my third year of being a
volunteer, I had no idea what to expect on my first day. While the beginning of the summer
(weeks 1 and 2) were overwhelming with meetings, re-norming, communication, and planning
for the apocalypse to start, once our Thread students began their summer jobs (mostly through
YouthWorks), a routine started.
I'll use the word routine lightly because although every week there were site visits, and every
week I had to send at least two mass emails- one to all the supervisors of our 130 odd students
with Thread-affiliated summer jobs, and one to all of those students' volunteers- every week
taught me there was no cookie-cutter day in a new nonprofit that works with youth.
Sometimes my days consisted of talking to YouthWorks for over an hour to ensure my students
were paid. Sometimes my days consisted of shopping at Target so we could throw the best
summer jobs party anyone has ever seen.
I had the amazing opportunity of always being on my toes - traveling across all different parts
of Baltimore with Angad to check in with students and employers (and all of the hiccups that
ensued). Though my internship was mainly in programming, I was also able to connect with the
students. Seeing them grow and learn and have the opportunity for Professional Development
was what got me through the day every day.
I could never tell you what this internship was like - I'm often caught in a whirlwind of emails,
meetings, site visits, and trainings, but every new day was a great day and I honed my
professional communication skills, untapped a graphic design talent that I had, and formed
meaningful relationships with my students and my co-workers. I couldn't ask for a better
summer." -Tena
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Acted as a liaison between the
Professional Development
Program Director and
employers and volunteers of
students.
Conducted site visits to
distribute important
paperwork and to check-in
with supervisors to ensure
students and employers were
having a good summer
experience.
Coordinated orientations,
professional developments,
and celebration events for
students, volunteers, Thread
staff, and employers.
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