Pictured, from left: Joe Tucker, Duane Brown, Quandon Fuller
In the summer of 2024, students made meaningful contributions to the Akron community through their internships with South Street Ministries. These opportunities, made possible through the Akron Community Internship Program (ACIP) at UA's EX[L] Center for Community Engaged Learning, provided both students with valuable hands-on experience while allowing them to serve others.
Quandon Fuller, a sophomore majoring in psychology, spent his summer working in South Street Ministries’ Reentry program, which supports individuals transitioning back into society after incarceration. For Quandon, the relationships he built were the most rewarding part of his internship. “Alongside learning technical skills like data entry, I appreciated the deeper connections I made,” he said. “I feel a lot of humbleness when I leave South Street Ministries on days I have my internship,” he added, reflecting on the personal and professional growth he experienced.
Duane Brown, a sophomore studying computer information systems, worked in South Street’s Bike Shop, where he mentored local youth while helping repair and distribute bicycles. “I often see myself in the kids who come to the Bike Shop,” Duane shared. “That connection is important to me, and it gives me a change of heart to do good for the community and other people.”
Akron Community Internship Program
Both students found their internships through the Akron Community Internship Program, which connects students with community partners like South Street Ministries. Under the guidance of Joe Tucker, Executive Director of South Street Ministries, Quandon and Duane contributed to a variety of initiatives, including the Bike Shop and Reentry programming, gaining valuable skills while supporting their community.
These and other internships are available to UA students interested in community engagement, leadership development, and nonprofit work. For more information about these internships or to learn how to get involved, contact ACIP@uakron.edu or follow the EX[L] Center on Instagram and Facebook @UAkronEXLCenter.
