Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) creates an opportunity for young Philadelphians to access new experiences as they prepare to enter the world of work. This summer Jaiyla and Jordyn gained hands-on experience interning with State Representative Morgan Cephas! This internship was made possible by the Urban Affairs Coalition, a C2L-PHL Program Provider.
Shortly after Jaiyla and Jordyn started their internships, West Philadelphia was hit by a microburst, a small area of high winds within a thunderstorm. The microburst did a lot of damage, flooding streets, tearing down trees, and cutting power for many residents. Representative Cephas and her team were on the job to support affected neighbors as quickly as possible. Jaiyla said, “it was amazing going around the neighborhood after the storm to see what happened and what we could do about it.”
For Representative Cephas, this was more than an opportunity to show the interns how to handle an emergency, “We showed them how an everyday constituent services issue translates into policy. How climate change is impacting our community. How we are working with PEMA and FEMA to address the challenges our community is now facing. We’re helping the young people to understand the full scope of what we do.”
What really stuck with the interns was having the ability to help people in their community. Jordyn shared that, “it felt nice to gain that experience in customer service and helping people out. After the storm hit people were coming and they were so sad. I wish I could have helped more but it felt great to be able to do something for people.”
Outside of the microburst, Jaiyla and Jordyn supported day-to-day activities in the office, learned about the responsibilities of a State Representative, and helped people in their communities. According to State Representative Cephas, one of the biggest tasks for the interns this summer was to “illustrate the work we do in the office to social and tailor the message on each platform to reach different audiences and groups.”
While the interns were not sure whether they would want to pursue careers in politics, they got to experience first-hand how fulfilling it can be to assist others. Jaiyla shared that “it’s good to be here helping people.”
Acknowledging the efforts of youth workforce participants, Representative Cephas highlighted the larger issue and need: “Our government needs to step up and do its part. How do we invest in a young person outside of school?” It’s a question that fuels JEVS involvement as the intermediary for C2L-PHL. Philadelphia’s youth deserve opportunities to gain career exposure, skills training, and personal growth.
This summer, we invested in C2L-PHL participants by paying them for their effort as they gained experience and insight into the world of work. The internship with State Representative Cephas’ office was facilitate by the Urban Affairs Coalition Summer Youth Employment Program. The Urban Affairs Coalition team was responsible for enrolling, placing, and mentoring the program participants throughout the summer.
Jaiyla and Jordyn are just a few of the near 8,000 young people to gain experience at over 500 C2L-PHL sites this summer! To stay updated on all things C2L-PHL, join our mailing list.
