ACE Senior Internship Stories2013

Senior

Internship

Stories

2013

Academy for Career Exploration • 130 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903

Tel: 401.456.1738 • Fax: 401.521.0653 • www.aceprovidence.com

ACE Senior Internship Stories 2013

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About ACE

The Academy for Career Exploration (ACE), Rhode Island’s first public charter school, was

founded in 1994 to serve Providence students, grades 9th through 12th. The overriding

goal of the school is to provide our students with a rigorous academic program and

significant opportunities for developing life and career skills leading to postsecondary

education, training, and gainful employment. ACE consistently achieves attendance and

graduation rates that are among the best in the state.

ACE’s Healthcare & Science Career and Hospitality & Management Career Pathways offer an

integrated and rigorous four-year course of study designed to develop progressive

understanding and depth of knowledge in emerging and growth-based healthcare and

science and hospitality and business careers that will prepare students for postsecondary

academic options and economic success through gainful employment. The pathways

programs are intentionally focused on expanding existing workplace readiness training with

a structured set of courses. These provide essential knowledge and skills applicable across

the career spectrum, yet meet specific standards to fulfill learning objectives for

professional certifications and postsecondary programs.

The Certification Program

Through partnerships with East Providence Career Technical High School and New England

Ambulance Service, the Healthcare & Science Career Pathway program includes an option

for qualified students to pursue a credential as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or

Emergency Medical Technician 1 (EMT1) while working toward their high school diploma.

The Internship Program

Unique to ACE is the requirement that all seniors complete a year-long internship class as a

requirement for graduation. The course requires research, writing, hands-on experience in

the community and a formal presentation, judged by a panel comprised of staff and

individuals from local businesses and agencies.

Each week, from February through May, ACE Seniors spend one day working for a local

company, learning new skills, building their resume, and gaining real life work experiences.


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Jim Gallagher and Bolivar Maldonado at Mineral

Spring Car Care Center in Providence.

The Mentors

Mentorship is a serious and substantial responsibility. Mentors are not simply supervisors;

they are teachers, individuals who accept the task of introducing the young person or

persons in their care to an industry, a workplace, a set of workplace responsibilities, and a

workplace culture. Mentors make themselves available. They offer insight, guidance,

encouragement, and sometimes wisdom. Mentors nurture a dream and help a young person

move a step closer to realizing that dream.

You are a Mentor, and you make a difference to our ACE students. The Administration,

teachers and staff of the Academy for Career Exploration and the students in the Class of

2013 salute you for your contribution. Our Senior Internship Program could not be the

success it is without you.

Thank you.

Bolivar Maldonado at the Mineral Spring Car Care Center

Jim Gallagher opened Mineral Spring

Car Center in 2004 after 15 years or

working for someone else in the

business. He is friends with Jane

Bernadino, coordinator of ACE’s

Hospitality and Business Management

Pathway Program. When she

mentioned the Internship program to

him Jim was more than willing to offer

his garage as a work site and his

expertise as a mentor. It’s a perfect fit

for Bolivar who has always “had a thing” for cars.

On any given Wednesday Bolivar will be in

and out of the parking lot - shuffling the cars

that have been left for general service

maintenance or specific repairs, and moving cars in and out of the garage bay. His

responsibilities include changing the oil, helping Jim to tune the engine, rotate the tires, and

making certain that all systems are “go” so that each and every customer is fully satisfied.


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Jacqueline Ibarra and Stephanie Olivences at Hope Alzheimer’s Center

At least twenty minutes by car, tucked into a complex in southern Cranston the Hope

Alzheimer’s Center has been housed since 1995. The Center is a privately and publically funded

day care program for 95 people with Alzheimer’s disease. Attending Hope eases some of the

burden of Alzheimer’s on the families of those who are stricken with this condition, and often

delays or eliminates the need for nursing home placement.

Two of ACE’s seniors, Jacqueline Ibarra and Stephanie Olivences, make this long trip every

Wednesday to spend the day immersed in activities geared to the abilities and interests of the

group. People participate in an arts program, music and entertainment, movement therapy,

cooking, gardening, woodworking, current events, exercise and a walking club. And Jacqueline

and Stephanie participate right along with them – bringing their thoughtful help and

considerate attention when warranted.

Jacqueline was sitting with a small group of women as they

reminisced about weddings – either their own or members of

their family. Talk was aimed at stimulating memories and the

ability to find and describe details, evoke emotions, and trigger

interactive conversation. Jacqueline enjoys learning about

people and especially about their personal histories.

Stephanie also enjoys her time with the Hope community. She

assists the CNA’s (Certified Nursing Assistants) as needed, helps

distribute meals in the community room, joining seniors in active

conversation or drawing out solitary diners helping them to be

more interactive. And sometimes she leads group activities.

Stephanie hopes to major in psychology when she graduates from

ACE at the end of this school year.

Both Stephanie and Jacqueline, when asked about the lengthy travelling time, dismissed any

concern. Both feel so connected to their “new friends” that they look forward to Wednesdays

and the joys that they bring and the joys that they feel equally aware that they will receive at

Hope.

Jacqueline ready for cookies

during small group session.


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Nadia Dossen at Pranzi Catering

Pranzi Catering does more than its name implies.

Pranzi is a full-service catering company that in addition to

catering many weddings, corporate affairs, and celebrations are

regularly chosen by the Newport Mansions and many of Rhode

Island’s & Massachusetts’ finest venues to provide the elegance,

quality, and personalized service for which they are known.

Their food is quite fab but it’s not the only thing they provide,

having tents, china, linens, silverware and table centerpieces.

Pranzi Catering was established

in 1997, when owner Lisa

Mattiello, took that leap of faith,

starting her business in a small

cafe storefront in Seekonk, MA.

She was the chef, event planner, and sometimes delivery person

on many of the events. When asked why she takes on interns,

she did not hesitate with her reply. “I’ve got to give back to my

community. Helping these kids is a reward in itself, and then on

top of that they help make my business grow and run

smoothly.”

Arriving by 8:30 every Wednesday, and depending on what Pranzi

clients need on that particular day, Nadia may help prep food for

baking, prepare sandwiches for corporate lunches, decorate

platters, pack linens, arrange flowers, or do whatever else Lisa and her staff might need

assistance with.

Nadia hopes to attend Johnson and Wales University and her experience at Pranzi and Lisa’s

recommendation will certainly add to her resume. She is also meeting people in the field,

making connections, and learning the business from the inside out. And the lunches are divine!

Nadia in the kitchen with her

mentors.

Nadia with a freshly

baked batch of cookies.


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Yolanda Grullon at Latino Public Radio

Tucked inside a small white house on a busy street in Cranston is a bustling enterprise. Since

2005 Reynaldo Almonte can be found in front of a wall of TV’s tuned to news stations around

the world as he monitors the news that is likely to be of specific interest to the our local Latino

community. He arranges for these news stories to be translated into Spanish for distribution

on WRNI 1290 AM Latino

Public Radio – the station he

founded and manages. Latino

Public Radio is the leading

producer and distributor of

intelligent, high quality,

cultural and educational radio

programming in Spanish.

And Yolanda Grullon, an ACE

senior has been there – by his

side, helping out every

Wednesday, from 8AM until

3PM, as part of the school’s

Hospitality and Business Management Internship Program. She opted for this assignment as she

has always enjoyed radio and is hoping to continue in this area as she explores career

opportunities.

There was big news on the day of our visit, April 23, 2013. Hugo Chavez, Venezuelan President

and one of the most visible, vocal and controversial leaders in Latin America, had passed away.

Yolanda was glued to a computer, fact-finding and gathering materials for the piece Mr.

Almonte would prepare for broadcasting. Her specific assignment - to find out who would be

attending Mr. Chavez’s funeral.

As part of her internship she also helps to set up the studio for recording sessions, making sure

that the microphones are in good working order by cleaning and testing each one. On the day

of our visit Patricia Martinez, the Executive Director of Family Supports and Student

Development at the Central Falls School District, was due in a bit for an on-air interview.

At other times Yolanda accompanies Mr. Almonte when he goes to “chase” the news. She also

helps with editing, research, and whatever needs to happen to keep this fast-paced work

environment moving smoothly and functioning efficiently so that the Latino community is kept

informed about what’s happening and what effect it may have on us - in our city, our state, our

country, and the world.

Reynaldo Almonte and Yolanda Grullon at the LPR Studio in Cranston


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Karen Monzon, Jurenny Jimenez, Emline Mota, and Diana Ross work towards

their Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Certification

Between 2013 and 2018, 26% of new jobs created in the US will be in the healthcare and social

assistance industries. These industries include public and private hospitals, nursing and

residential care facilities, along with individual and family services, and are expected to add

three million new jobs nationally over the next 5 years.

Talk about being in the right place at the right time!! ACE’s Healthcare & Science Career

Pathway offers both a rigorous 4-year college prep curriculum along with first-hand experience

in a work environment. Students perform 100 hours of community service in each of their first

2 years at ACE, received work readiness training, and get work experience through their senior

year Internship Program. Qualified students can earn a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

credential and college credits while they work toward their high school diploma.

ACE offers the CNA Program to students through a partnership with East Providence Career and

Technical Center. The program consists of 120 hours of training – 88 hours of classroom and

laboratory and 32 hours of clinical training in a nursing facility. Topics covered include basic

nursing skills, resident’s rights, mental health and social services, basic rehabilitative services,

personal care skills, and safety and emergency procedures. Students are eligible to sit for the

Rhode Island Department of Health state board examination for nursing assistant licensure

upon successful completion of the program.

On a sunny day in April we visited the Evergreen House Health Center in East Providence where

after a full day at school, four ACE CNA Seniors - Karen Monzon, Jurenny Jiminez, Emline Mota,

and Diana Ross - have been spending Mondays and Tuesdays from 4:30 – 8:00 pm.

Some of their responsibilities include assisting patients with bathing and toiletry, helping to

Diana Ross, Jurenny Jimenez, Kathleen

Carrigan, Karen Monzon, and Emline

Mota during CNA clinicals.


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feed those that are unable to feed themselves, changing linens, and transporting patients to

and from different procedures. They learn to take vital signs and assist the nurses with a wide

range of healthcare responsibilities.

And they bring their good cheer, enthusiastic personalities and willingness to engage often

leaning in with a smile, a kind word, a gentle hand, and making the day a bit brighter for the

residents at Evergreen.

Kathleen Carrigan, RN, M.Ed, the District Nurse Coordinator who supervises our students onsite

was enthusiastic when she was asked to talk about the helping hand ACE students lend: “ACE

students have been a welcome addition to the class. They are involved and engaged in all

aspects of the course. These young ladies will make wonderful professionals!”

Kalyssa Diakite at Urban League Child Care Center

The Urban League Child Care Center in the South Side of Providence opened in 2005 and serves

60 infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. They follow RI’s Early Learning Standards and use the

Creative Curriculum, a nationally recognized curriculum for early childhood programs.

Kalyssa arrives well before the scheduled classroom starting time of 9AM. Children are dropped

off as early at 6:30 AM and Kalyssa is there to greet them. She spends time with the children,

having breakfast together and making sure everyone gets off to a good start.

For the rest of her day Kalyssa assists in the 4-year old classroom. The teacher, Cheryl Gray is a

pro! Her main goals are to provide a loving and creative environment where “her kids” feel safe

and experience the fun and excitement of learning new information. And Kalyssa fits right in.

She reported that while she is there in the classroom giving, she is also in the classroom getting.

She has a new understanding of patience, the need to be direct, and to encourage respect –

goals that will serve her students well for the rest of their lives. Her best days she said, “are

those when ‘my kids’ are enthusiastic and happy.”


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Jannelly Sosa at Restored by Design with Martha Jackson

ACE student Jannelly has an interest in the fashion industry and was hoping her senior year

Internship would point her in that direction. Anthony Taveras, an ACE staff member, saw an

article in Style Magazine that included mention of Restored by Design in Central Falls and he

took the initiative to make a “blind” call to see if the company might benefit from an intern

from ACE. Ms. Jackson didn’t hesitate – and Jannelly began her weekly visits shortly after.

Restored by Design is located in a small, restored mill

building, tucked in by the Blackstone River in Central Falls.

Martha Jackson’s company is dedicated to the creation of

eco-conscious jewelry, clothing, accessories, and home

décor. At least 40% of each unique piece created at

Restored by Design includes recycled materials. Cheryl

Dias has been working with Martha since the business

began, specializing in creating jewelry with epoxy-resin

flowers that she makes on site.

On the day of our visit I found Jannelly Sosa tucked into a

nook, surrounded by trays, shelves, and tables overflowing

with semi-precious beads, glass beads, wooden beads,

resin beads, and many, many pre-loved found objects

including stacks of lace and fabrics. Jannelly was “louping”

– taking pieces of straight thin copper wire and curling them into a loop that attaches one bead

to another.

As happy as Ms. Jackson is to have Janelle helping with the construction of her jewelry, she told

us that Jannelly’s computer skills are what have made her such a valuable asset to Restored by

Design. Having very limited computer skills herself, Ms. Jackson was relieved to learn that

Jannelly was able to create promotional pieces, help keep the company’s website up to date,

and help with invoicing.

Restored by Design looks to the past to find the materials used to create it’s unique line of

jewelry but Jannelly’s experience has been 100% forward-moving as she gathers experience to

move her forward into her future in the fashion industry.

“Louping” – taking a piece of straight

thin copper wire and curling them into a

loop that attaches one bead to another.


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Jacquia Shields, Benjamin Concepcion, Henry Velasquez, and Amairini Rivera

work towards their EMT Certification

On a Monday evening, down the basement stairs at the United

Nurses and Allied Professionals Offices on Branch Avenue, we

found a room filled with 34 men and women in training to

become certified Emergency Medical Technicians in a course

run by the New England Ambulance Services.

The program is run by Jeffrey Howe, and on this particular

evening there were five additional teachers, led by Kevin Jenks,

a firefighter by day and EMT teacher by night. The course runs

for 5 1/2 months with 4-hour classes two nights each week, and

an occasional Saturday too. To become certified, students must

pass a final exam that includes both written testing and a hands-

on testing. When they are over 18 years old they will be

required to take the National Registry Exam, a computer testing modality developed to

measure the prospective EMT’s skills assessing important aspects of pre-hospital care practices.

Four ACE Seniors are enrolled in this program: Jacquia Shields, who will major in Biology at the

University of Rhode Island next year, is hoping to go on to

become a Pediatric Oncologist; Benjamin Concepcion, who will

attend the University of Rhode Island and is planning to be a

dentist, will pursue an EMT-Cardiac certification and work part

time as an EMT while in college; Amairini Rivera, who will pursue

a criminal justice degree at Johnson & Wales University, hopes to

work as an EMT to earn money while going to college; and Henry

Velasquez, who is earning college credits through the CCRI

Running Start program, wants to pursue a career in the medical

sciences.

On this particular evening, the

larger group broke up into 5 smaller groups - each group

focusing on a specific set of skills: Trauma Assessment; Medical

Assessment; neck, spinal, and leg Traction Splinting; Shock

Assessment; and Protocols required by law.

The training that our ACE students are receiving today just may

be the training that saves a life tomorrow.

Jacquia Shields listens intently

during the group skills exercise.

Amairini Rivera holds Ben’s

head during trauma

assessment exercise.


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For more information about our school

to career programs or to participate in

the employment and intership

program contact:

Amy Etheridge

Director of School to Career Programs

[email protected]

Denise Burke

Internship Coordnator

Academy for Career Exploration

130 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903

Tel: 401.456.1738

Fax: 401.521.0653

www.aceprovidence.com

ACE Senior Internship Stories2013

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