A groundbreaking internship program is making waves in Arkansas. The Tjuana Byrd Summer Internship Program is opening doors for women of color in STEAM fields. This initiative, now in its fourth year, is transforming the landscape of diversity in science and technology.
Named after the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas’s first Black president, the Honorable Tjuana Byrd Manning, this program is more than just an internship. It’s a stepping stone to success for underrepresented groups in STEM.
Empowering the Next Generation of STEAM Leaders
The program selected nine talented students for its latest cohort. Among them is Ahtziri Saldana, a senior civil engineering major at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Saldana’s selection highlights the program’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
“Being chosen for the Tjuana Byrd Summer Internship Program was very unexpected,” Saldana shared. Her excitement reflects the program’s impact on aspiring professionals. The internship offers a unique blend of practical experience and professional development.
Breaking Barriers in STEAM Fields
The 12-week summer internship tackles multiple challenges faced by women of color in STEAM. It addresses issues like cost, social capital, and geographic location. These barriers often hinder diversity in technical fields.
Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, emphasized the program’s significance. “By investing in this program, companies are empowering young women of color to gain valuable opportunities,” she stated. This support is crucial for creating a more inclusive STEAM workforce.
Corporate Partnerships Fueling Success
The program’s success relies heavily on its corporate partners. Companies like Stone Bank, Acxiom, Arvest Bank, and Central Arkansas Water play a vital role. They provide not just internship placements, but also mentorship and on-the-job training.
Saldana’s internship at Central Arkansas Water exemplifies these partnerships. “This internship has been such a great opportunity,” she said. Her experience showcases the real-world learning these placements offer.
Comprehensive Support for Interns
The Tjuana Byrd Summer Internship Program goes beyond typical internships. Interns earn competitive hourly wages between $15 and $20. They also receive free housing for the program’s duration. This comprehensive support removes financial barriers for participants.
Additionally, interns access mentorship, networking events, and professional development workshops. These resources are particularly valuable for first-generation college students like Saldana. “I’ve been able to learn a lot of things through this internship program,” she noted.
