Lynn Students Showcase Career Projects at LEAP Work Program
On March 14, 2024, students from Lynn showcased their career-focused projects during the fifth annual Summer Work Program, organized by LEAP for Education. The event took place at the Salem State University Bertolon School of Business, where approximately 60 high school students presented final projects aligned with their career interests.
The Summer Work Program is a six-week, paid initiative designed to provide students from Lynn and Salem with valuable career networking and hands-on experience. Participants are paired with one-on-one mentors and engage in workshops and lectures led by industry professionals.
Among the presenters was Victor O, a student at Lynn Classical High School, who expressed a keen interest in engineering. For his project, he created a series of bow and arrows to showcase their range and power. “I was unsure what I wanted to do for a career at first, but the more I got into the program, the more I realized engineering could be for me,” Victor explained.
Another participant, Joseph L from KIPP Academy Lynn, focused on computer science, developing a prototype for a horror game. He reflected on the challenges of the project, saying, “It was challenging, but I love being able to see the fruits of my labor.” His mentor, Elaine Webb, Senior Quality Manager at Axcelis Technologies, noted the significant impact that mentors have in guiding students through their research and study techniques.
The program also supported innovative projects like that of Carla R, a sophomore at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute. Building on her previous year’s robotics project, she enhanced her model robot designed to clean the ocean floor. “In America, we have a lot of technology, and most of the time it works well, but there are areas for improvement. I created this project to help us take care of the planet,” Carla stated.
Support for the program was also evident in the attendance of Jenny Armini, a member of the Massachusetts Essex District House of Representatives. She praised the students for their dedication and research efforts. “You could see how excited they were about their subjects, and it was inspiring to hear about their backgrounds and why they chose their topics,” Armini remarked. She emphasized the importance of dreaming big for students in Lynn, stating, “This program helps that.”
The LEAP for Education Summer Work Program not only provides practical skills but also fosters a supportive environment where students can explore their passions and prepare for future careers. As these students take significant steps toward their professional aspirations, the initiative continues to make a lasting impact on the community.
