By Townhall Chicago News Staff
Two Triton College students completed paid internships with the Grand Chamber by O’Hare through a State of Illinois Reinvigorate Project grant, the River Grove community college announced Thursday.
The 10-week program connected the students with the regional business chamber, where they contributed to outreach initiatives and community projects supporting businesses and residents near O’Hare International Airport. Each student earned $7,500 during the internship, according to an Oct. 30 news release from Triton College.
“We were thrilled to see our students participate in this new internship opportunity with the Grand Chamber by O’Hare,” Lorena Gasca, director of career services at Triton College, said in the release. “Our team encouraged students to apply and provided career-readiness support throughout the process. It was rewarding to see them step into roles where they could apply what they learned in meaningful ways.”
Gasca added that the partnership strengthened Triton’s connection to the local business community while giving students real-world experience.
Peter Volpe, president of the Grand Chamber by O’Hare, said the students brought energy and skill to the organization’s work.
“Ernesto and Sarah brought fresh ideas, valuable skills and tremendous enthusiasm to the Reinvigorate Project,” Volpe said in the release. “Their work supported our local businesses and community initiatives, and we hope this partnership will create even more opportunities for students to build their careers close to home.”
The two interns gained practical experience in business outreach, relationship building, marketing, promotions, event support and chamber-community collaboration, according to the release.
Ernesto Rios, a second-year student pursuing an associate degree in accounting and business administration, called the internship one of the best experiences of his summer. Rios is a Dean’s List student and an active member of Triton’s Accounting and Business Society and Stock Market Society.
“I met and worked alongside mayors and local business owners,” Rios said in the release. “One of the most memorable parts of the internship was meeting with Green Officer Partners, where I was able to showcase the skills I’ve developed in a professional setting.”
Sarah Duhr, who recently earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in visual communications and graphic arts from Triton, applied her design background to the chamber’s marketing, promotional design and community outreach during the internship.
“Using the knowledge I gained at Triton and applying it to the real world gave me the experience I need” for future job opportunities, Duhr said in the release. She added that working on projects beyond what she had learned in the classroom exposed her to new challenges and helped her discover new strengths.
“I hope there will be more internships like this one to help students get real-world experience and prepare for the job they eventually want to pursue,” Duhr said.
The State of Illinois Reinvigorate Project grant enabled the Grand Chamber by O’Hare to expand its operations, according to the release. Grant funding supported a marketing campaign to attract new businesses, beautification efforts in local business districts, grants to existing businesses for site improvements and chamber membership growth.
Triton College is located at 2000 Fifth Ave. in River Grove.
