The continued growth and success of the summer Applebaum Internship Program is the result of collaborative leadership partnerships, a committed cohort of students, and engaging professional development programming. This year’s effort included a total of 12 host partner organizations, 18 Applebaum Professional Supervisors, and 19 Applebaum Student Interns representing the largest collective to date.
Collaborative Leadership Partnerships
This summer’s success was made possible by the commitment, leadership and collaboration of 12 partner organizations: Arts & Scraps, Coaching Detroit Forward, College for Creative Studies, Detroit Historical Society, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Opera, Detroit Public Theater, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Zoological Society, Mosaic Youth Theatre, and Motown Museum.
Ultimately, it is their dedication and partnership toward achieving the mutual goal of providing invaluable opportunities to connect the next generation to the Detroit community which powers the Applebaum Internship Program.
“I think the AIP is a FANTASTIC program. I am so grateful that Applebaum Family Philanthropy is dedicated to supporting the arts in Detroit and for creating and supporting these experiences.” – Rachel Francisco, Applebaum Supervisor, Marketing Manager at Detroit Historical Society
Cultivated Cohort Experience
Beyond the internship experiences, the strong cohort connection was a true highlight of this summer’s program. 19 students from Alma College, College for Creative Studies, Hope College, Michigan State University, Oakland University, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University not only enhanced their skills and knowledge, but also developed lasting relationships. They now have a valuable peer network to support their future educational and professional journey.
Professional Development Programs
A program requirement is the participation in four cohort professional development and network sessions.
Program Kick-Off
The Applebaum Internship Program kicked off with an energetic speed networking session held at Wayne State University. The interns had the opportunity to engage with the professional supervisors from each organization and to learn and dialogue about their experiences, expertise, and leadership paths in the non-profit/cultural arts organizational field. This session provided critical insight and helped to forge key relationships to support each intern’s experience throughout the program and afterwards.
“Getting to speak with industry leaders one-on-one was a unique opportunity and I found their guidance helpful.” – Lily Barrett, Applebaum Intern, Motown Museum
A Day in the D: Applebaum Interns Take on Detroit
A new engaging professional development experience this year was a “A Day in the D,” dedicated to exploring a segment of Detroit’s past, present, and future through its prominent cultural institutions.
Applebaum Interns began the day at the Detroit Institute of Arts, participating in a round-robin leadership panel with the organization’s senior leadership strategy group: President & CEO, Salvador Salort-Pons; Chief Operating Officer, Elliott Broom; Chief Financial Officer, Kate Spratt; Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Nina Sapp; Chief Digital Officer, Jennifer Snyder; Deputy Director for Art, Education, and Programs, Judith F. Dolkart; Executive Director of Public Affairs and Community Engagement, Julie McFarland; Executive Director, Talent, Culture, and Operations, Melissa Pena; Vice President of Learning and Audience Engagement, Anthony L. Smith. Following the panel, the interns had a curated tour of select exhibitions, including Tiff Massey’s 7 Mile and Livernois.
Next, at the Detroit Historical Society (DHS), interns took part in an insightful panel discussion with DHS’s Chief Executive Officer, Elana Rugh, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Rebecca Salminen-Witt, and Vice President of Education and Outreach, Rodney David Deal. After lunch, interns had the opportunity to explore the space with a scavenger hunt highlighting Detroit’s history.
The day concluded with the group taking the Qline together to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), where the interns had the opportunity to speak with the DSO’s President and CEO, Erik Rönmark and Data & Research Specialist, Bryana Hall. The cohort also received a private tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at DSO’s diverse programming and operations.
Overall, “A Day in the D” provided the Applebaum Interns with a deeper insight into the impact of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Historical Society, and Detroit Symphony Orchestra has on the community and an appreciation for the synergy and vitality of Detroit.
“For me, this internship really connected me deeper with the Detroit community. I really enjoyed the panels we saw [on Detroit Day], because I was able to see myself and areas for personal growth within these institutions” – Chloe Anderson, Applebaum Intern, Detroit Zoological Society
Prep for Success
Applebaum Interns spent a day at the Applebaum Family Office, where they participated in resume-building and LinkedIn workshops designed to enhance their professional profiles. The experience was further enriched with a keynote presentation and discussion by Nicole Lewis, Founder & CEO of Nicole Lewis & Associates, who offered valuable advice for achieving professional success, especially during the critical first 90 days in a professional working setting. This combination of hands-on skills development and motivational guidance provided the interns with some of the tools, insights, and confidence needed to effectively navigate their future careers.
End of Summer Celebration
The conclusion of the program was celebrated at BasBlue, with the opportunity to reflect on the internship experience and highlight the accomplishments completed by the intern-supervisor cohorts. The celebration also included a tour of BasBlue and the opportunity to learn about the organization’s history and vision. It was wonderful to have everyone together in a shared space, enjoying the culmination of the collective efforts.
The passion shown by this group of students and supervisors was second to none. Applebaum Family Philanthropy appreciates their unwavering commitment to the program and is eager to build on this success next summer.
“My internship at Detroit Opera this summer has been an exhilarating and invaluable experience. Thanks to the generous support of the Applebaum Family Philanthropy, I had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the arts community.” – Jesse Boyd Williams, Applebaum Intern, Detroit Opera
The Applebaum Internship Program [AIP] is an eight-week, paid internship program for students enrolled at a college or university in Michigan. Students have first-hand experience working at a nonprofit and cultural arts organization in Detroit, while building a cohort and taking part in professional leadership development programs.
To learn more about the Applebaum Internship Program, click here.
