Background and Vision
Among all the extraordinary attributes of our Founder, Eugene (Gene) Applebaum – vision, hard work, keen perception, and an innate instinct for knowing what was right – it was his unique ability to forge and command relationships that most fundamentally defined his success.
In carrying forward Gene’s example, his daughters, Lisa Applebaum and Pamela Applebaum, have made sure that relationships serve as the centerpiece of their work with Applebaum Family Philanthropy.
For Applebaum Family Philanthropy, impact is not necessarily defined by measurable change, but by the fabric of the relationships formed with all stakeholders – for the long term.
Applebaum Fellows
The Applebaum Fellows program — with the Applebaum Internship Program (AIP) as its central operating entity — is the core expression of this philosophy.
“My father was always devoted to inspiring and engaging the next generation to maximize their potential. The formalization of the Applebaum Fellows and our core initiative, the Applebaum Internship Program, translates that core vision into guided action.” Pamela Applebaum
Applebaum Internship Program
Partnering with many of Detroit’s cultural arts and non-profit civic organizations, AIP is intentionally designed to connect college students from Southeast Michigan to the unique breadth of the community and cultivate their understanding of the potential career and engagement opportunities within the sector.
Cohort Experience
Students are provided with a stipend to participate in a supervised eight-week hands-on internship experience. The special component of AIP is the opportunity for student interns to convene bi-weekly as a peer network cohort in a series of leadership sessions facilitated by industry leaders to advance professional skills and build vital relationships.
The entire cohort also participates in “Applebaum Detroit Day” – a curated bus tour of Detroit, visiting several AIP partner organizations, learning about Detroit’s history, and meeting with local business and civic leaders.
“Our family has always been focused on strengthening Detroit’s cultural arts. Creating a greater pipeline of professional leaders and interested participants who are forming relationships at this key life stage is vital and makes all the difference.” Lisa Applebaum
Looking Back
In completing the sixth season of operations this past summer, it is important to assess AIP’s overall impact and look ahead to the future.
Since inception, the Applebaum Internship Program has partnered with 25 of Detroit’s cultural arts and non-profit civic organizations. These have included: Arts and Scraps, Belle Isle Conservancy, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Coaching Detroit Forward, College for Creative Studies – CAP, Design Core Detroit, Detroit Historical Society, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Opera, Detroit Public Theatre, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Zoo, Mosaic Youth Theatre, Motown Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.
Since its launch, AIP has engaged over 100 Applebaum Interns from 17 Michigan college and university campuses. More than 30% of the AIP alumni are currently working in the Detroit’s arts and culture sector, several of whom have commenced their professional careers with the very organizations where they interned.
Applebaum Interns and Alumni: Enhancing Connectivity
To help strengthen the continuity of engagement, Applebaum Family Philanthropy hires an AIP alumnus as its own “summer intern.” In this role, the intern supports the coordination of the entire program, facilitating the leadership sessions, and offering informal mentorship. As a recent program participant, they bring firsthand insight and “peer” credibility. At the program’s kickoff session, alumni lead a peer panel, reflecting on the program’s impact and engaging with current interns.
“I found my AIP experience to be incredibly valuable. The program offered great learning opportunities and helped me build meaningful connections with peers and professionals. The networking and hands-on experiences were especially useful. I’m grateful for the support and resources provided, which have been instrumental in preparing me for my career.” Shakanah Harlan, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Summer 2024
Applebaum Professional Networking Cohort
As an outgrowth of the organizational supervisor’s direct participation in the program, a recurring theme emerged: a strong desire to maintain the professional relationships they had built through AIP. In response, we launched the Applebaum Professional Networking Cohort in 2023.
Co-chaired by AIP supervisors, the cohort meets quarterly at various AIP partner organizations. These gatherings offer the opportunity to explore topics of shared interest, showcase partner impact, and coalesce a needed “peer” community.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a supervisor during the most recent cohort. I think AIP is a hallmark program that has become the model of what a good internship experience could be. Thank you to Applebaum, the supervisors and the interns for making this a great experience!” Stephen Grady Jr., Program Manager, Popular and Special Programming at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Looking Ahead
The blueprint of excellence in relationships was forged by Eugene Applebaum. AIP is the continuation of this example personified: strong personal engagement, inspiring opportunity, and hands-on mentorship.
We hope the impact will continue to strengthen Detroit’s cultural arts and non-profit civic organizations and inspire the next generation to be involved in its future. Yet, with relationships as the cornerstone, the opportunity for success can be enduring.
