Search | Menu Turning early college internships into opportunities
Madison College student Camila Alcantra Perez aims to be a coach someday, studying kinesiology and dietetics to help others. But she didn't know if college learning was right for her until she dipped her toes into the experience at Madison College's Early College STEM Academy.
Now Camila is earning college credits while still a senior at Verona High School, gaining confidence, connections, and clarity about her future.
Chris Ruiz-Mondragon, a first-year student at Madison College, also got his start through the Early College STEM Academy.
He recently landed a job as a pharmacy technician at UW Health University Hospital, thanks to the connections he made during a Madison College summer internship with St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy. His goal is to transfer to the University of Wisconsin's School of Pharmacy.
The Maydm connection
Last summer, Camila and Chris were part of a group of Madison College STEM Academy students who took advantage of paid internships through a partnership with Maydm.
Maydm provides girls and youth of color in grades 6-12 with the skills, experiences and connections to pursue STEM careers. Juniors and seniors who participated in a Madison College Early College experience are eligible to apply for the Maydm summer internships.
Last summer, students interned at more than a dozen businesses, organizations, and governments, including the City of Sun Prairie, Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, Ice Age Alliance, MG & E, Park Bank and others.
With her health and fitness interests, Camila was placed at UW-Health, documenting needs in the local community: "We researched food scarcity and nutrition and talked to people in food pantries. It opened my eyes to how hard it is for people to afford healthy food.”
She gained skills in collaboration and public speaking, and connected with a UW Health nutritionist who inspired her to make wellness affordable and accessible to low-income communities.
"I don't want to be just a coach, I want to be a friend to people, so they feel someone truly cares about them as a person, not just a client," Camila says.
Chris landed an intern spot at Dane County's only charitable pharmacy, giving him hands-on experience serving uninsured, low-income patients. The experience confirmed his career choice: “Before, I wasn't sure why I wanted to be a pharmacist, but during my internship, I felt a greater sense of purpose…I knew I was helping people and contributing to society.”
Trying out college and a career for size
Through Madison College's Early College and Maydm internships, high school students can explore college for free, gain career exposure, and earn money at the same time.
For Camilla, the opportunity was too good to pass up. Coming from a family of Mexican immigrants who didn't have the financial means for college, she's grateful for the chance to earn college credits without the cost. "I feel a strong sense of responsibility to make the most of this opportunity," she says. "Getting this education for free is one of the biggest blessings, and I'm not going to waste it."
She's also gained confidence, successfully tackling college-level learning.
"This experience has shown me that college is right for me," Camila says. “I'm challenged and thriving.”
Connecting classroom learning to real life
In a couple of years, Chris aims to be in the UW-Madison School of Pharmacy. With the smaller classes, resources, and expert advice at Madison College, he feels prepared for the university transfer.
Chris valued the chance to “earn and learn” through a paid internship, which will strengthen his applications and resume. He also appreciated the networking: "The pharmacists, during my internship, were incredibly nice and welcoming…it felt like a family, and that made me want to pursue this career even more.”
Apply now
Madison College is now accepting applications from high school students interested in early college opportunities.
Chris encourages others to give it a try: "Everyone should consider taking an internship if they have the chance: it really helps decide what career you want to pursue."
Camila feels about earning college credit and getting a head start on her career. "This is honestly one of the best things that's ever happened to me," she says. "Take advantage of every opportunity and jump at whatever you can to achieve your goals."
Find out more information about Madison College Early College opportunities or contact us at earlycollege@madisoncollege.edu or 608-243-4595.
Find out more information about Maydm internships.
