OFA’s InternAmerica program brings former foster youth to Washington DC, providing them with invaluable workplace experience to build resumes and launch their careers. By placing disadvantaged students in prestigious corporate settings, non-profit organizations, and Congressional offices on Capitol Hill, the program levels the playing field for those who don't have family connections to secure a quality job internship. During their six-week stay in the nation’s capital, students are treated to weekly workshops for professional development, and enjoy the experience of a lifetime as they bond with each other and learn what it takes to succeed in today's competitive job market.
At the end of their internship experience, the OFA students traditionally come together for a fun-filled scrapbooking session to assemble photographs, souvenirs and memories of their stay in Washington. For the past few years, these sessions have been hosted by a volunteer representative of the well-known scrapbooking company, Creative Memories, which donates materials and facilitation as a gesture of support for OFA’s work on behalf of foster youth.
Jacqueline Carey of Creative Memories helps Orphan Foundation of America student Mattie Miller create a scrapbook about her Washington D.C. internship experience, while OFA’s Lynn Davis looks on.
Students report that they have as much fun collaborating with each other on scrapbook creation as they do working on their own portfolios. Returning to school in their home cities, they are very glad to have something to show and share with their friends and peers.
Orphan Foundation of America students Ralph Wills, Amanda Williams, and Samuel Jackson enjoy a scrapbooking session in July 2008 to commemorate their summer internship experiences in Washington DC.
For more information of the Orphan Foundation of America, visit http://orphan.org.
