Successful Start for Summer Up! at NCCHS Career Fair

Summer Up! team members (from left, Lluviana Arizmendi, program coordinator, and KeOne Carter, executive director) interacted with students at North Chicago Community High School’s recent career fair. The annual event featured about 35 local organizations, with more than 100 students (grades 8-12) stopping by Summer Up!’s booth, which featured an attention-getting display with all new branding by the group, a newly registered not for profit organization (formerly Warhawk Summer Up). Over 50 students signed up for summer opportunities, including paid internships, college programs and iBIO Stemgirls initiatives. With a limited number of work experience spots remaining, the nonprofit — now offering expanded services beyond North Chicago — aims to recruit 200 youth in 2025, and has consistently grown year over year since its inception in 2017.

“It was a wonderful experience to witness our students be intentional — confidently seeking opportunities that fit them,” said Carter. “They showed up as their bold, authentic selves, and the excitement in the room was truly contagious.”

Now in its eighth year, Summer Up! provides pathways for young adults across the region to gain skills through exposure to college life, hands-on STEM programs, and meaningful paid internships. Learn more at GoSummerUp.org or call (912) 436-2623.

Photo credit: Kenneth Smith Photography