PESA’s director of internships, Dr. Michael Johnson, who administers the social work internship, explains that the program is designed to introduce participants to all aspects of social work so they can take that experience with them to whatever agency they ultimately pursue. On top of helping interns bolster their professional capabilities, the work they do empowers their clients to give back to their communities as well. “At PESA,” Johnson says, “we are trying to help teenagers and their families through education and newfound skills that will give them the opportunity to become more positive members of society.” It’s a 360-degree philosophy: Interns learn about their field of interest and in turn utilize what they learn as a force for good.
Just as with the pre-law interns, social work interns gain practical experience through:
- Providing counseling to youth who have been diverted from the traditional justice system
- Assisting with empowerment workshops for parents
- Working in middle schools and high schools to support students who have behavioral problems or who need educational support
- Conducting educational presentations to schools and agencies on topics such as substance abuse, mental health and coping with grief and loss
Ultimately, no matter what profession they choose to pursue, PESA interns are learning skills that are necessary in any field. It’s a rare opportunity in which students can learn in a real work environment and, upon completion, emerge with a toolbox full of useful skills they can take with them in their future careers.
We like to think of it as helping our entire community—one intern at a time. ■
If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us.