Cam’Ron Stewart, COL & WH ’26, Sunrise, FL
This summer, thanks to the generous funding from UPenn, I had the privilege of working with FLIP National – a platform dedicated to supporting first-generation, low-income students. As I embarked on this journey, I never anticipated the profound impact it would have on both my professional trajectory and personal growth. Being a Business Development intern allowed me to immerse myself in the intricacies of grant writing – a meticulous, yet rewarding process that involves weaving compelling narratives to secure funding. Each proposal I crafted wasn’t just about garnering financial support but about articulating the powerful stories of first-gen students and the transformative impact of education.
Beyond the numbers and narratives, my role at FLIP National was accentuated by the cross-collaborative projects I undertook. Working hand-in-hand with tech and social media teams opened my eyes to the vast expanse of opportunities and challenges in the educational sector. These interdisciplinary projects underscored the importance of collective effort – the symbiotic relationship between tech experts streamlining platforms for better user experiences and social media mavens crafting resonating content. It wasn’t merely about meeting objectives; it was about harmonizing diverse talents and perspectives towards a singular mission: making education accessible and fruitful for all.
What fueled my dedication each day was the inherent purpose behind FLIP’s mission. Being involved in an organization that champions the dreams and ambitions of first-gen, low-income students resonated deeply with my own aspirations. Every project, meeting, or brainstorming session was anchored in the unwavering belief that every student, regardless of their background, deserves a shot at greatness. Reflecting on my summer, it’s clear that my time with FLIP National wasn’t just an internship; it was an odyssey of learning, growth, and most importantly, purpose.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2023 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
