Brookfield East Junior Isabel Zuniga-Meyer recently completed an international internship with the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) as a part of a "G-Team" that advises strategy and creates programming for the future of Girl Scouts. Out of 750 applicants, Isabel was one of 26 Girl Scouts from across the US, Puerto Rico, and Italy that completed a 20-month internship that began in December 2018. Upon completion of the internship, Isabel has received school credit through Elmbrook's internship and mentorship program.
"The best part of Elmbrook's program is that it's locally designed to meet the needs of students," said Amie Farley, Elmbrook's Director of College, Career, and Life Readiness. "We have students engaged in all sorts of opportunities that align to their career interests, so they are the brokers of their own future." The program gives students the chance to access experiences, network, and take the next steps in their career pathway.
For Zuniga-Meyer, her internship involved planning for the tri-annual GSUSA convention, G.I.R.L.2020. However, after COVID hit, the convention was canceled, and the girls innovatively pivoted to creating online resources in place of the in-person event. The G-Team produced in their entirety the first videos for the online programming site, completed original research on mental health, and delivered a presentation to the National Council Session. They were also busy creating a new national service project for all ages, worked on a research project to help with a GSA website redesign, and implemented strategies for diversity, sustainability, and programming for older girls.
"Isabel sought out this opportunity on her own and has grown tremendously as a leader through it," reflected Farley. "We are incredibly proud of all the work she has contributed to the Girl Scouts organization and the skills she has gained as a part of her experience."
Elmbrook's internship program allows students to design experiences that meet their needs and encourages students to network with organizations and causes that they care about to help them expand their skills through opportunities that will help guide their future. The program even allows students to use opportunities that they may already be engaged in to receive credit in school. In 2020, 47% of graduating seniors had participated in at least one district career-based learning experience, an increase of 12% from the previous school year.
Congratulations on your incredible work, Isabel! You can read more about the G-Team and their internship by clicking here. If your student is interested in completing an internship or mentorship or receiving credit for an opportunity they may already be engaged in, contact Amie Farley at farleyam@elmbrookschools.org.
Photos: (above) Isabel Zuniga-Meyer, courtesy of Girls Scouts of America; (below) The G-Team, courtesy of Isabel