The School of Professional Studies (SPS) recently welcomed a new cohort of seven interns to Columbia University’s Career Catalyst Internship Program (CCIP). Established last year by SPS in partnership with the Center for Justice, the program provides formal work experience at the School for young people from underresourced communities who participate in the Justice Ambassadors Youth Council, a 12-week social action and life-skills educational seminar that brings together government officials and 18- to 25-year-olds.
“CCIP is about making sure our interns leave with skills they can actually use,” said Steven Thomas, a director of instructional support at SPS who is involved with the program. “Just as important, we aim to create an environment where they can step outside their everyday circumstances, focus fully on the work in front of them, and recognize what they are capable of accomplishing. We want them to walk away not only with exposure but with real preparation and renewed clarity about their potential.”
At the start of the program, interns are invited to share their preferred SPS department to align their placement with their interests and skills. They also participate in weekly training sessions and workshops. During the CCIP orientation in January, the new interns shared what they hoped to gain from the experience, including expanding their knowledge, building meaningful connections, and strengthening their ties to the Columbia community. They spoke about growing professionally, developing public speaking skills and personal insight, and becoming engaged, positive contributors to meaningful work both on campus and beyond.
Steven Thomas "Participating in the CCIP program provided me with invaluable hands-on experience and meaningful professional development that directly prepared me for my current role as a human resources coordinator here at CUHR,” said Jeremy Casso-Garcia, one of the interns in the first year of the program who now works as a resources coordinator at the University. “CCIP not only opened doors to employment opportunities but also helped shape the long-term vision I have for creating impact in my career and community."
SPS Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs Zelon Crawford, who partnered with Jarrell Daniels of the Center for Justice to launch CCIP, noted that the program’s impact has extended well beyond its original aim of preparing interns for sustained, full-time employment.
“By opening doors to meaningful professional experiences, mentorship, and community, we are not simply offering internships—we are helping to rewrite narratives, restore confidence, and create pathways to long-term success,” said Crawford. “We hope this program does more than change résumés; we hope it changes lives.”
As interns develop new workplace skills, the SPS community also benefits by gaining fresh perspectives and insights from its newest colleagues.
