Summer 2025 Intern Spotlight

The Center was fortunate to have two college students working as interns at the agency this summer.

Colgate senior Sara Tabibian interned at The Center as part of the Colgate University Upstate Institute Summer Field School Fellowship Program. Sara selected The Center from a list of multiple area nonprofits because she was particularly interested in our proposed research project on the impact of transportation access on refugees' and immigrants' ability to achieve financial success.

"One of my favorite parts about working at The Center is the other staff members, getting to collaborate with them and bounce ideas off of them," Sara said. "They are all fantastic people with a ton of knowledge. [The Center internship] provided a great environment to learn and grow in professionally."

The Center's second intern this summer was Maya Pandit, a student of the Global Governance program at the University of Rome - Tor Vergata, Italy. Maya's research project in our Citizenship Department provided The Center with valuable data analysis on naturalization outcomes for clients filing N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions forms. 

"I've loved working at The Center because it cultivates such an incredibly welcoming and diverse environment, not just for clients, but also for those who work here. It's really encouraging," said Maya. "This experience has absolutely enriched me and I would recommend it a thousand times over."

Thank you to all of our summer interns who contributed to building community with many cultures. We wish you the best for the future.

For information about other volunteer opportunities at The Center, contact Jennifer VanWagoner at jenv@thecenterutica.org.