LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Fifteen young adults successfully completed the City of Lima's GenNext development program this summer, with several participants saying the experience helped them choose a career path.
The GenNext program provides paid summer internships for students. This year's 15 interns completed more than 2,400 hours of on-the-job experience at city departments, local businesses and participating nonprofit organizations.
Several interns said they were so interested in their experiences that they plan to take the next step toward careers in their respective fields.
Kyllan Martin interned with the Lima Fire Department and said the experience helped shape his plans after graduation.
"This internship was a lot of fun for me, and it really opened my eyes about what I want to do after I graduate. So, I enrolled at Apollo for the Fire and EMS program, and I got accepted."
Kynnsington Green interned at the Lima Water Treatment Lab and said the experience reinforced her interest in science and chemistry.
"I knew that I wanted to do stuff with science or chemistry, but working in a lab like that in such a casual setting definitely made me realize how achievable that goal is. So, I think I'm going to major in chemistry during college."
This was the fifth year of the GenNext program. The city plans to offer the paid work experience program again next summer and encourages anyone between the ages of 16 and 24 to apply.
More information is available on the City of Lima's website by searching for Gen-Next.
