When Ethan, a 17-year-old high school student, joined Humanim’s Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE) in January, he didn’t have a set career path in mind. He just knew he wanted to try something new. Over the course of eight weeks, Ethan worked at the Boys & Girls Club (BGC) in Bel Air, where his role became a turning point in his career path.
Throughout his internship, Ethan wore many hats. Each day, he showed up ready to set up after-school activities, prepare materials, stock snacks, and organize the space before the students arrived. Once the afternoon started, Ethan’s job was to mix fun with academics by supporting the kids with their STEM projects, homework and supervising their rotating activities such as arts & crafts and free play. He ended each evening by cleaning the space to reset for the next day.
Ethan thrived so much in his role that staff members from both Humanim and the BGC were impressed! “Ethan was enthusiastic about the opportunity and took it seriously,” said Lisa, a Humanim Youth Transition Services Coordinator. “His engagement with the kids at the BGC was incredible. The staff trusted him not only with the safety of the students but knowing how reliable he was.” With nothing but glowing reviews from his supervisors, Ethan was offered a permanent role at the BGC and will begin in June to help with their summer program.
Utilizing the skills he gained and his own ambition, Ethan aspires to work with children in the future. To prepare for his career journey, Ethan is now enrolled in early childhood education courses at school and looks forward to gaining more valuable experience at the BGC this summer.