In the summer of 2024, Rural Opportunity Institute (ROI), in partnership with the Town of Tarboro, expanded its high school internship program, the Young Civic Leaders (YCL) initiative. This year’s program placed three interns in the Parks and Recreation Department and one intern in the Planning Department for the Town of Tarboro. During the internship the students contributed to town operations and gained valuable hands-on experience. The program aimed to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, career development, and community engagement. 

Feedback from both supervisors and interns emphasized the program’s overall success and the interns’ meaningful contributions. Supervisors noted the impact of the interns, stating, “They helped a lot with little things we couldn’t get to, like cutting grass and helping prep the fields for tournaments and games.” Interns also reflected on their own experiences, with one intern sharing, “It was a chance to see what it’s like to have a real job and contribute to the community.” 

Many interns showed growth in essential skills such as punctuality, accountability, and communication. One supervisor shared, “By the time they left, they knew exactly what was expected of them and just got to it without needing much direction.” This development of professional behavior is critical for future employment opportunities and personal growth. 

Interns played an instrumental role in maintaining town operations and providing support in various areas.They supported daily tasks at facilities like the Braswell Recreation Center, engaged with youth in summer programs, and contributed to the maintenance of athletic fields. As one supervisor put it, “Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to handle the amount of work we had on our plates.”