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Summer Programs Offer Career Insights
When Michele Kay, guidance counselor and coordinator of learning enhancement and academic enrichment, arrived at Gilmour in 2009, she established a program that further expands our ability to educate and empower our students.
Gilmour Academy is uniquely positioned. As an independent, Catholic, coeducational school, Gilmour centers its academics and extracurricular activities on educating the mind and empowering the heart of all students. When Michele Kay, guidance counselor and coordinator of learning enhancement and academic enrichment, arrived at Gilmour in 2009, she established a program that further expands our ability to educate and empower our students.
The summer opportunities she helps students find offer Middle and Upper School students the chance to gain experience in various industries, while developing interpersonal skills. Now in its ninth year, the program focuses on young people discovering their passions. "I believe all students should have an open door for opportunities," says Kay. She recognizes that sometimes, learning opportunities help students discover those passions, while other times they learn what they don't want.
"What's important is that a student frame their summer with the opportunity to learn about themselves," said Kay. "Sometimes they get caught up in athletics and don't have time to take a breath and learn about themselves, their talents, their environments. A little bit of their summer, at least, should be taken to learn about themselves. It has the potential to really open up their eyes."
As one would hope with any program, Kay wants to see the summer program continue to grow. She wants it to continue to expand and open even more doors for more students. The program is open to both middle and high school students (most internships are for high schoolers).
While the opportunities are wide-ranging and numerous, sometimes thousands of students from all over the world will apply for specific internships. While this makes the field more competitive, Gilmour's scholars have thoroughly enjoyed their experiences.
Gilmour students have participated in medical programs both in and out of the country, art and design, business and more. Some of these internship programs have received applications from thousands of students from around the globe. Ms. Kay works with her students as they complete the application process to ensure that they have the best chance to be selected for the program. If a student has a specific interest, Ms. Kay works to match the student with an experience that meets their interests.
Any student interested in learning more about summer opportunities should contact Michele Kay at kaym@gilmour.org or (440) 473-8082, or visit our Academic Extension Summer Programs page (link).
Here are some testimonials from students:
"MIT Launch changed my outlook on entrepreneurship. It gave me a realistic view on the difficult, yet beneficial, nature of the subject. Launch did this by giving me the ability to start my own company and experience entrepreneurship in the real world." -Nicholas Majer ’18
"I participated in the CISV Step Up program, which aims for global friendship in children. I traveled to Lisbon, Portugal for 22 days with three other American kids and one leader. The camp was focused on sustainable development with the theme 'To Infinity and Beyond.' We integrated this theme into planned activities and discussed how we can help the planet and meet it here for infinity and beyond. I made unforgettable bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. The camp changed me as a person, and I am very fortunate to have been able to travel to Portugal and spend a month with some amazing people that I will never forget." -Abby Bartlett ’19
"I volunteered at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in a program called Zoo Crew and also worked at Cleveland City Hall with the City Planning Commission. I began the summer with an interest in urban planning but came to realize that an environmental track better suited me. Through Zoo Crew and the City Planning internship, I obtained a greater understanding of Cleveland, the environment and, above all, myself." - Edwin Heryak ’17
"I have had a real fascination with meteorology since grade school. I was fortunate to have an internship at Fox 8 over the summer. This opportunity not only reinforced my interest in the atmospheric sciences, but it also opened my eyes to the world of broadcast journalism." -Marissa Ulchaker ’19
"The Eisman Material Science camp altered my high school career, as it exposed me to the field of material science, a field I would not have otherwise been exposed to. Summer opportunities like this encourage students like me to pursue fields of study beyond the classroom." -Sebastian Williams ’18
"Working as a volunteer at the Cleveland Clinic gave me the opportunity to explore the medical field, as well as live out the Gilmour mission of having the competence to see and the courage to act." -Nupur Goel ’17
"I volunteered at Hillcrest Hospital. It was an amazing experience that expanded my interest and understanding of the medical field and also taught me better people skills and how to communicate with patients." -Emma Kaplan ’19
