<span style="font-weight: 400;">GIFFORD, Fla. – Friday, August 28, 2026 – In celebration of National Intern Day, the Gifford Youth Achievement Center’s (GYAC) Youth Employability Program (YEP) hosted its annual internship celebration on Thursday, July 30, 2026, to recognize the achievements of this year’s interns and to celebrate five years of the program’s impact.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The celebration brought together students, employers, staff, and families to reflect on another successful year of career exploration and growth. Since its launch in 2022, the YEP has continued to expand, growing from 23 students and 16 employers in its first year to 60 students and 26 employers this summer. The program’s growth has been strengthened by the support of new community partners, including MBV Engineering, the City of Sebastian, and Brookdale Vero Beach, who have joined the effort to provide students with meaningful career experiences.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Over the past five years, the program has provided students with opportunities to gain professional experiences, explore career pathways, and develop skills that prepare them for future success. This summer, 60 students participated in internships across a variety of industries, including computer technology, healthcare, and hospitality, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship from local employers. Through these opportunities, students applied classroom learning in real-world settings while building confidence, strengthening professional skills, and developing connections within their chosen fields.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">A highlight of the event was a “courtside chat,” where students and employers shared their experiences from this summer, reflected on lessons learned, and discussed the impact of hands-on workplace learning. The conversation offered attendees an inside look at how these experiences help students prepare for future careers.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Since its launch, the YEP has helped students gain valuable workplace experience while strengthening partnerships with local businesses and organizations committed to investing in the next generation of talent.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">After working with a rising 10</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> grade student, Isabella C., this summer, Deby Winter, the Vice President of Carpet & Tile Warehouse, described her experience with Isabella, stating, “She asked thoughtful questions, tackled every task with enthusiasm, and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Her passion for design and construction is real, and her willingness to learn was evident from day one. The greatest compliment we can give Bella is this: before July was over, we invited her to return next summer – if she’ll have us.” </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">These partnerships are an essential part of creating meaningful career experiences for youth, providing students with opportunities to apply their skills in professional settings while gaining insight into the possibilities ahead.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">“Reflecting on five years of growth – from an initial class of 23 students in 2022 to 60 bright interns this summer – fills me with immense pride. Celebrating our 2026 cohort alongside National Intern Day and our five-year anniversary highlights the incredible commitment of our expanding network of business partners who make these hands-on career experiences possible. Watching our students step into diverse industries, build real-world confidence, and connect directly with mentors, as was evident during our courtside chat, proves just how transformative these opportunities are for their futures,” said Jay Lundy, Sr., the GYAC’s Director of Youth Employability.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">As the program enters its sixth year, the GYAC remains committed to expanding opportunities that empower students to develop career-ready skills, explore their interests, and build brighter futures. With the support of the local community, the GYAC can continue </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Changing Lives, Changing Futures</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">To learn more about the Gifford Youth Achievement Center and its programs, visit www.mygyac.org.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">About GYAC</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Gifford Youth Achievement Center, a 501(c)(3), opened its doors in 1998 on a mission to enhance the academic experience of underserved youth in Indian River County. Twenty-eight years later, GYAC continues to offer year-round educational programs for students in grades K – 12. In addition, GYAC provides activities for adults and seniors. The Center also hosts job fairs, health clinics, community gatherings, and serves as an information hub for those in need of services.</span> [gallery ids="235860,235862,235863,235864"]