Building Confidence Through First Job Experience

For eight high school juniors, this spring marked an important milestone: their first job.

Through paid internships at Grace Place, students gained   hands-on experience across departments including finance, human resources, development, programs, and food service. Before stepping into their roles, each student completed a pre-internship course designed to build foundational workplace skills, including communication, professionalism, and navigating expectations in a work environment.

During the internship, students participated in the full experience of employment, from the interview process to ongoing feedback and performance reviews. Over the course of a few months, they not only learned new skills, but also gained confidence in their ability to contribute, communicate, and succeed in a professional setting.

Opportunities like this are an important part of preparing students for what comes next. By building real-world experience early, students are better equipped to stay on track academically and explore pathways to college and careers.

As these students grow, so do the opportunities available to them. Grace Place is launching a second-level internship experience that places students with local businesses, expanding their exposure and preparing them for long-term success in the workforce.