A Think Big Summer: Exploring What’s Possible

Summer is more than a break from school. It’s an opportunity to discover new possibilities. This summer, Think Big for Kids students across our regions stepped into workplaces, college campuses, laboratories and new communities, gaining experiences that helped them explore careers, build confidence and envision what comes next. 

From hands-on field trips and college experiences to job shadowing and paid internships with leading companies and healthcare organizations, these opportunities gave students something that can be difficult to find in a classroom: a chance to see themselves in the future they’re working toward. 

None of these experiences would be possible without the partners who open their doors and invest in our students. We are grateful to the companies, organizations and professionals who generously lend their time, passion and resources to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation. 

Exploring Careers Beyond the Classroom 

For students in Atlanta and New Jersey, summer field trips offered a closer look at careers and industries they may not otherwise have encountered. 

Atlanta students wrapped up the summer with a visit to Souper Jenny, where they learned what it’s like to work in food service, toured the farm and prepared their own healthy lunch. 

In New Jersey, students participated in eight field trips with organizations including Verizon, Phillip Jeffries, Contract Leasing, A+ Products, the NBA, Felician University, American Wear and Lincoln Tech. Each experience provided an opportunity to learn directly from professionals and explore different career pathways. 

Experiencing College & Specialized Programs 

New Jersey students also participated in the fully funded Stevens Summer Residential Program. Living on campus gave students a firsthand taste of college life while they participated in challenging academic courses, hands-on learning and extracurricular activities alongside Stevens faculty and students from around the world. 

In Tampa Bay, Think Big students spent a week immersed in the USF–Moffitt Explorers Oncology Summer Program. Through clinical simulations, guided tours, hands-on activities and conversations with healthcare professionals, students explored cancer care, research, pharmacy, psychology, genetics and emerging medical technologies. Experiences like this help students connect their interests in science to real-world careers while building the confidence to pursue them. 

Other students explored careers through job-shadowing opportunities, including an aviation experience with FlyUSA. For Xaviar, the experience sparked excitement about his future in the aviation industry and gave him an opportunity to learn directly from professionals working in the field. 

Learning and Leading in the Nation’s Capital 

Think Big students also had the opportunity to participate in the Horatio Alger Association’s third annual American Enterprise Summit in Washington, D.C. 

The five-day experience brought together 144 rising eighth-grade students and their teachers to explore the principles of free enterprise, the American Dream and the opportunities that education can provide. Students visited the U.S. Capitol, saw historic documents including the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights, heard from Horatio Alger Members and collaborated in a business-plan “Shark Tank” competition. 

Think Big was especially proud to see students and educators from Williams Middle Magnet School in Tampa participate in this year’s Summit. 

Turning Opportunity into Work Experience 

For students ready to take their learning into the workplace, Think Big’s summer internships provided an even deeper level of career exposure. 

At Grow Financial, interns explored how financial services can respond to real community needs. Through a West River walking tour and conversations with community stakeholders, they examined challenges including transportation, credit, income, job access and technology. Their experience culminated in a proposed “Grow Passport,” a loyalty program designed to encourage financial education, mobile banking and progress toward financial goals. 

As intern Josue Ramirez put it, “I want to lead a team dedicated to helping people and meet individuals right where they’re at in life.” 

At NextPath Workforce Solutions, AI interns gained firsthand experience applying artificial intelligence in a real business environment. They worked alongside the team to explore AI-powered solutions, test new ideas and contribute to projects supporting recruitment and client services before presenting their work at the conclusion of the internship. 

For Milton Figueroa, the experience demonstrated the importance of mentorship and collaboration. Theodore Major, meanwhile, said being trusted to share his recommendations with company leadership “changed how I see myself professionally.” 

A Think Big student also participated in Accenture’s 10-week, paid “Learning to Earning” Internship Program, gaining hands-on experience in technology, consulting and innovation projects while developing professional skills and building relationships with mentors and corporate leaders. 

At Tampa General Hospital, students participated in the third annual internship program with Think Big, gaining immersive experience in areas ranging from business operations and pharmacy to patient transport, pediatrics, the NICU and surgery. TGH thoughtfully placed students in areas of the hospital based on their interests and career paths, giving them an opportunity to explore healthcare from the inside. According to one intern, “My favorite memory from this internship is getting to put on the bunny outfits in the OR and seeing a brain surgery in person.” 

A Summer That Can Shape a Future 

For Think Big students, these experiences are about more than what happens during the summer. They’re about opening doors, expanding horizons and helping young people see possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. 

Every field trip, campus visit, job shadow and internship adds another piece to a student’s journey, helping turn curiosity into confidence and possibility into a plan.