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Even at a young age, Britney Terrell understood that just one caring community member had the power to positively transform outcomes for kids and families in need.
“When I was little, I was close to a handful of people who had to deal with the juvenile courts,” she said. “I remember how committed their caseworker was to getting them every bit of help and information they needed so they could successfully navigate the system.”
That compassionate impact has fueled Terrell’s desire to study criminal justice and support youth justice efforts. Now, thanks to a new partnership between the GVSU criminal justice department and one of GVSU’s charter public schools, Terrell will get an early opportunity to work directly with young adults just as she would when she starts her career.
This fall, Terrell and Matt Rogers, both GVSU criminal justice students, became the first from their program to intern at Covenant House Academy Grand Rapids (CHAGR). While criminal justice students have interned with other K-12 schools in the past, the partnership with CHAGR will provide an unparalleled experience.
“This is a new partnership, so our students will get to craft their experience in their own vision more than they normally would,” said Laura Marsh, a professor and undergraduate internship coordinator for GVSU’s criminal justice department. “They are not stepping into a role where the previous person defined expectations; instead, they get to set the foundation and really focus on what they are passionate about.”
Additionally, CHAGR is unlike almost any other high school. Due to a variety of societal and personal barriers, many of the students at CHAGR come to the school because it is the only place where they can earn their high school diploma. The school places a high priority on helping the students overcome those barriers through an all-encompassing support system.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the criminal justice department and welcome interns into CHAGR,” said Crystal Rios, the school’s assistant principal. “One of the biggest drivers of positive outcomes for our students is having safe, stable, caring adults in our building to build relationships and model life skills. Britney and Matt quickly became part of the family culture in our building.”
Rios also noted that the school’s innovative model provides Terrell and Rogers with a space where they can get a distinct understanding of the struggles the young adults face each day, which will strengthen their professional work in the future.
“Kids come from so many different backgrounds that we need to have the will and patience to guide them through challenges,” said Terrell. “I’m looking forward to building my skillset for working directly with students, and am really happy to be the extra push they may need to complete their courses.”
That idea of giving back to others is one of the reasons why Rogers pursued this internship.
“I’ve always wanted to do something that helped people,” Rogers said. “I saw this as a great way to do that and to get experience in the field.”
Rogers said his goal is to someday work for a federal law enforcement agency, so his responsibilities include tasks focused on student safety, security, and emergency plan management. What has really stuck out to him so far, however, are the connections and supportive atmosphere within the building.
“This really feels like a family-oriented school,” he said. “The staff is super nice and I could tell right away that they truly want to see their students succeed and accomplish their goals.”
Content provided by the Charter Schools Office
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