By Public Relations Assistant Shamika Andrew

Despite changing work settings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, youth interns with the RAISE Program thrived during the second year of the virtual internship.

Interns attending the summer program were introduced to cultural activities — sewing rabbit fur mittens and beading flower earrings. Interns also attended the Tikahtnu Plant Symposium via Zoom where they learned about many of Alaska’s berries and ways to use them as food or medicine. At the conclusion of the internship, the RAISE Program celebrated the interns with a parade, certificates, and gift bags. This winter, RAISE interns have the opportunity to work in person. The students are placed within a variety of Southcentral Foundation’s departments, where they learn about the health care field from different perspectives. Upon approval, they receive academic credit in conjunction with work hours. Many interns also leave the program with lasting friendships.