Bored with the same old routine, Jimothy Kirkham, a 16-year-old student at
South East High School, wanted to try something new this summer. So, through
an internship program he learned about from his church, Kirkham went to work
for the Springfield Park District.
For six weeks starting in June, Kirkham performed maintenance and cleaning duties at the Franklin P. Nelson Recreation Center in Lincoln Park. Kirkham’s supervisor was so impressed with his strong work ethic that he hired him as a part-time staffer.
Now Kirkham is learning tons of cool new stuff, like how to operate the Zamboni machine used to smooth the center’s ice rink. Plus, he says he has made new friends and is earning $6 an hour — money that he uses to buy new school clothes and gas up his 1995 Oldsmobile.
“My favorite thing to do is to just ride around Springfield with my friends,” he says.
Kirkham is among 20 teenagers from the Springfield area chosen to participate in the Summer Youth Initiative, an internship program offered by The Springfield Project. The initiative offers on-the-job training that enables local youths to work in a variety of professions.
For instance, this summer teens performed office work for Springfield Housing Authority, prepped food at St. John’s Breadline, and helped lead the youth camp at Abundant Faith Christian Center.
The summer internship program has become increasingly popular since it began three years ago, with more than 60 teens applying to participate this year, according to Timothy Rowles, executive director of The Springfield Project.
“It’s a way to make some honest money,” says Rowles. “What kid doesn’t want to put some money in his pocket, especially for the summer?”
Springfield resident Sierra Senor performed her internship at Lincoln Land Community College. Senor, who is 18, helped set up the school’s Summer Fun and All That Jazz Festival.
Sierra says the experience helped build her resume as she works toward a degree in sports and entertainment management at the University of South Carolina, where she will enroll this fall.
“I would definitely recommend this program,” says Sierra. “It’s a great chance to have a job and get experience in the workplace.”
Started in 1996, The Springfield Project is a nonprofit organization that
aims to revitalize communities by advocating fair housing, economic development,
and youth mentorships. To learn more about The Springfield Project and its Summer
Youth Initiative call 206-7688.
This article appears in Aug 12-18, 2004.
