Young interns enjoy the experience

By REVIS BLAYLOCK

NEA Town Courier

Carlee Bradford and Destiny Jackson are among the 25 high school interns receiving hands-on job experience through Blytheville’s internship program.

At one time the intern program was funded through the state. Blytheville Mayor Melisa Logan worked out a pilot program to open 25 slots for students 16-19 years of age offering them the opportunity to intern for six weeks. The internships were open to students in Blytheville, Gosnell, Kipp, and Armorel.

Alicia Williams with the Human Resource Department for the city of Blytheville the students attended an orientation program at ANC. Speakers shared expectations, work ethics, etc. Students received their placements which included the city office, the library, the sportsplex, Blytheville school, the summer community ministry, and other non-profit areas.

Williams said it is working well for the interns and the community.

The interns work up to 20 hours a week for six weeks.

Both Bradford and Jackson agree they have enjoyed working with the staff at the Blytheville Public Library. They have learned how to run the desk, check out books, use the computers, shelf the books and worked with the summer reading program.

The six weeks internship started on June 11 and will end July 19.

Samanatha Townsend and Billie Bowman with the Blytheville Public Library said the girls have done very well.

“We had them during the summer reading program which is the best and the busiest time,” Bowman said.

Bradford said she is enjoying working at the library because it is a peaceful environment and Jackson agrees. Jackson said it is a calm place to be with not a lot of commotion.

Mississippi County Library Director Lowell Walters said the library has benefited from the summer program as well as the interns who gained work experience.