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.
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.
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…