Real-World Learning, Real Impact: Thank You to Our Internship Hosts

Summer has officially wrapped up, and so have the internships that gave our Gray Matter students an unforgettable summer of learning, growth, and possibility. This year, high school students across Chicago stepped into professional spaces that challenged them to think bigger, work smarter, and imagine new futures for themselves.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible companies and organizations that welcomed our students into their workplaces. From day one, our hosts invested in their potential, mentoring them through real projects and showing them what it takes to lead in today’s industries.

We are especially grateful to the following companies for opening their doors and being partners in this journey:

• Jade Ariane Jewelry

• Chicago French Press

• Taylors Tacos

• Finding Justice Garden

• Innovative Scholars

• BUILD Chicago Farm

• Muse Coffee

• Sin Titulo

• The App Accelerator

For our students, the experience was transformative. As one Intern shared, “I have learned about the business world and how non-profits operate, gaining insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects that I was not familiar with before. I am confident that I will be able to apply everything I have learned in my future career paths." Amal, Gray Matter Experience Program Intern

The importance of these internships can’t be overstated. Research shows that students who participate in work-based learning are 2.5 times more likely to be employed after graduation and 70% more likely to earn higher wages in their first jobs. For our students, many of whom come from communities underrepresented in professional spaces, internships like these build confidence, networks, and a sense of belonging in careers they may not have imagined before.

We closed out the summer with a celebratory event, bringing interns and hosts together to reflect on the journey. Stories were shared, laughter filled the room, and the pride on both sides was unmistakable. Some internships even extended beyond the summer, leading to continued opportunities and job offers at Chicago French Press, Gray Matter, and Innovative Scholars.

These outcomes remind us that when students are given meaningful, hands-on experiences, they don’t just rise to the occasion; they create lasting impact.

As we look ahead, we know this is only the beginning. For students, applications are open to join programs that spark opportunity and growth. For companies and organizations, the invitation is open: become a host, invest in young talent, and help shape the future of work!

To our partners, interns, and community, thank you for making this summer one to remember. The seeds planted today will grow into the leaders of tomorrow!

Learn more about our programs www.graymatterexperience.com/programs 

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