From Florida to Arizona to North Carolina, junior Luther Hodges Scholars traveled across the country for their cross-sector internships this summer. I attended the Internship Showcase, where scholars had the opportunity to share what they accomplished and learned throughout their summer experiences. As I listened to each presentation, I was struck by the range of organizations, industries, and communities the scholars had engaged with. More than anything, I was impressed by how confidently they communicated their experiences and the perspectives they gained along the way.
My own cross-sector internship with Go Global NC last summer shaped the way I approached the showcase. Working across K–12 education, higher education, government, business, and nonprofits taught me that some of the most meaningful solutions come from bringing different perspectives together. Because of this, I especially enjoyed hearing each team’s “biggest takeaway” and seeing how their lessons differed from my own. While each internship looks very different, each experience reflected the same spirit of curiosity and collaboration that defines the Luther Hodges Scholars Program.
I was also struck by how much the junior scholars have grown. The presentations demonstrated not only the variety of opportunities available to scholars, but also how each student brought their own interests and background to their internship. From nonprofits to super-regional banks, their experiences showed the many ways that cross-sector work can take shape. Hearing them speak made me reflect on how much I have learned since completing my own internship and how valuable it is to have a community that continues to challenge its scholars to look beyond their own perspectives.
The showcase also gave me a new appreciation for the evolution of the program itself. As the program celebrates its 10-year anniversary, it is exciting to see how the foundation built by previous cohorts continues to influence the scholars who follow. Each class adds something new while carrying forward the program’s emphasis on collaboration, leadership, and meaningful impact.
Leaving the showcase, I felt proud to be part of a program that continues to grow. The experience reminded me that being a Luther Hodges Scholar is not just about what we take away from our own opportunities, but also about what we contribute to the scholars who come after us. I am excited to see where the next generation of LHS takes the program.
Thank you to the Cannon Family Charitable Trust for investing in the Cross-Sector Internship Experience!
