My name is Grace Haskell and I am a junior at Haverford. This summer I am interning at a non-profit organization called FABx that runs programming for middle schoolers and high schoolers in both Providence and Newport, Rhode Island. The mission of FABx is to “ensure youth have equitable access to opportunities, resources, and relationships” so that they have the tools to thrive today and in the future. Through school, afterschool, and summer programming, FABx works to reimagine how young kids view learning so they can realize their full potential and have a positive impact on their communities. As an intern this summer I am mainly working with the Newport team (FabNewport) as they get prepared for NEX, the Newport experience summer programming. This program runs for 6 weeks and involves over 100 learners, 40 community partners and 20+ staff members. FabNewport also provides transportation and lunches to minimize any barriers that might prevent a learner from participating. I am responsible for helping manage and support the logistics of camp organization, learner registration, and contact with some community partners. I have also been lucky enough to join active programming on some days and spend time learning from program leaders and getting to know the kids.
In my past few weeks with FabNewport, I have learned a lot about how non-profit organizations are run. With an organization that is only 10 years old and still growing, a lot of people take on a lot of different roles and responsibilities. I am learning that a lot of what makes FabNewport successful is building meaningful relationships. Relationships with not just kids in the programming, but also co-workers and the community are integral to the success of the non-profit. From what I’ve seen so far at my internship, without building meaningful relationships with the community you’re serving, it becomes increasingly more difficult to be successful. I have also learned that the people working in the nonprofit world are incredibly driven. I have been very inspired by learning from leaders in FABx and observing how committed they are to the organization’s mission. With so much work to be done and limited resources, it is so important to really believe in the work you do at a non-profit.
It has been such an amazing opportunity to be able to work for FabNewport this summer, especially because the organization is in my home town. I have found it so rewarding to work with a bunch of talented, welcoming people to help make the community I grew up in a better place. Interning for a non-profit organization has allowed me to experience what my future career could look like.
I highly recommend other students apply for scholarships offered by the CCPA! When I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue this summer, I met with an advisor and they were able to help me narrow my search and point me towards other CCPA resources. I recommend researching what scholarships are offered early in your summer internship search so that you don’t miss any deadlines. I have already learned so much and can’t wait to finish out the rest of my summer working with FABx.
