This cohort is the largest since the program’s inception in 2019.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education is pleased to announce that eight students, seven of whom attend Archdiocesan high schools, have been selected to participate in the AOPS Technology Internship program through WorkReady this summer.
The AOPS Technology Department worked with Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and WorkReady, managed by the Philadelphia Youth Network, to develop internship criteria consistent with best practices and to establish a framework providing for a paid internship experience. Students will submit reflective journal entries using Flipgrid. In addition, the eight students will receive a Google Level One Certification upon completion of the program.
This year’s interns are highlighted as follows. From Father Judge High School in the Northeast section of Philadelphia are Asher Alexandre, Isaiah Legagneur, and Rudy Nguyen. All are members of the Class of 2023. Jola Banji-Ajala, a member of the Class of 2022, as well as Laila Bentley and Naja Ravell, members of the Class of 2023, attended John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School. Jola will attend Archbishop Ryan High School in the Northeast section of Philadelphia for the 2021-2022 academic year. Naja will continue her education at Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia. Joshua Oduwole is a member of the Class of 2023 from West Catholic Preparatory High School. Javier Quintana is a member of the Class of 2023 from Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School.
The six-week program commenced during the final week of June. Orientation was provided by Catholic Social Services, which is a WorkReady partner organization. For the remaining five weeks, the internship will take place at Father Judge and West Catholic. Mr. Thomas Fonville, the IT Director at Father Judge; and Mrs. Rosie Carollo, Technology Support at West Catholic, will serve as supervisors assisting students with this hands on opportunity.
Mr. Aaron Heintz, Interim Director of Technology PreK-12, said, “We are excited that this program continues to expand with our largest cohort and that it can return to an in person internship this summer. This initiative provides our students with invaluable knowledge in the ever-evolving Information Technology space.”
Background Information on AOPS Technology Interns:
During his time at Father Judge, Asher Alexandre has been a member of the Art Club and Technology Club. He attended Saint Martin of Tours Catholic School. Saint Martin’s is an Independence Mission School.
Isaiah Legagneur has been on the Father Judge Soccer Team for the past two years. He was also on the school’s Track Team and participated in the Technology Club during his sophomore year. Isaiah attended Saint Martin of Tours Catholic School. In addition, he is the recipient of a Josephine C. Connelly Achievement Award. He has also served as an altar server at Saint William Roman Catholic Church.
Rudy Nguyen participated in the Father Judge Technology Club and Art Club during his sophomore year. He received second honors. Rudy also attended Saint Martin of Tours Catholic School.
While attending John W. Hallahan for the past three years, Jola has participated in the school’s Ambassador Program, the Black Student Union, and was on Student Council. In addition, she has received first and second honors. This is her second summer participating in the AOPS Technology Internship program.
Laila Bentley was a member of the John W. Hallahan Ambassadors Program as well as the school’s Black Student Union for the past two years. Laila received first honors. Laila attended Saint Peter the Apostle School.
Naja Revell also participated in the John W. Hallahan Ambassadors Program and the school’s Black Student Union. In addition, she worked with the Teen Reading Lounge during her freshman year and the Peer Leadership Program for the past two years. She is a recipient of the Josephine C. Connelly Achievement Award. Naja attend Saint Mary Interparochial School and will attend Little Flower in the fall.
Joshua Oduwole participated in the Career One Stop and LaSallian Youth React during his freshman year at West Catholic. During his sophomore year, he was a member of the Black Student Union and the Gaming and Anime Clubs. Joshua was also on the Honor Roll. He attended Saint Barnabas Catholic School. Saint Barnabas is an Independence Mission School.
Javier Quintana received second honors and has perfect attendance while attending Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School. He attended Saint Hugh of Cluny School and Saint Veronica Catholic School. Saint Veronica is an Independence Mission School.
About WorkReady Philadelphia:
WorkReady is a 6-week summer job for 12-24-year-olds in Philadelphia. For many young people, summer jobs are a critical first introduction to the world of work. WorkReady offers 5 program types through 80+ partner organizations, providing more than 1,000 places for young people to work each summer. Each year, more than 16,000 young people apply annually for roughly 8,000 opportunities. WorkReady partners and supporters are working to raise awareness and raise funds so that more young people can work this summer. WorkReady is managed by the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN). For more information, visit www.workready.org.
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Editor’s Notes:
For information about Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit www.aopcatholicschools.org/. For information about Faith in the Future Foundation, please visit www.faithinthefuture.com/. For information about Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit cssphiladelphia.org/. To follow the AOPS Tech Department use #aoptech and to follow the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools use #AOPSWeSeeYou.
Contact:Meredith Wilson
Media and Events Specialist
215-587-3747