Classes are wrapping up for the school year, and as some students rejoice in a break from tests and homework, others are eager to take advantage of this time to further their skills and make some extra money while at it. 

The ICON Summer Internship Program allows Cumberland County high school students to connect school experiences to real-life work activities through career exploration, exposure to the real workplace and achievement of work readiness skills.

This summer, 46 students will be working in different positions with 10 different businesses. 

Briyana Tillman, a graduating senior from EE Smith, is interning as the Office Manager Assistant with Blue Ridge Power this summer. After graduation, Tillman will be going to Winston-Salem State University on a full scholarship. Tillman expressed that she plans to pursue a major in Biology and a minor in Finance. 

“I think it's a great opportunity for everyone involved. It’s really good for students that are involved and for students who apply because it just gives you real-world skills and skills that are transferable that you can use for later… I also think it's good for the companies working with fresh new talent and new thinkers,” shared Tillman. 

Tillman starts her internship on June 12. 

This is the second summer that Blue Ridge Power is hosting interns through this program. 

“Our CEO Chris Dunbar of Blue Ridge Power, one of his initiatives is making sure that young people know about the opportunities in the utility-scale solar industry, and there’s jobs in all different aspects within the industry. There’s solar installers, there’s electricians, there’s erosion control work; however, there’s also human resources, IT, clerical, logistics, supply chain…we just want to make sure that kids have opportunities to know what those opportunities are and we can help not only contribute to the local community, but also give kids opportunities that they may stay with us and pursue something in our industry,” shared Workforce Development Program Manager Lee Spruill.

This year Blue Ridge Power is hosting four interns from several different schools.

“Blue Ridge Power has had an excellent experience using the ICON internship program and, [I] would like to just challenge more employers to get involved because there are a lot of great students out there that are looking for great opportunities and we have the opportunity to not only give them those opportunities and provide them learning experiences, but also potentially build our own workforces for the future,” added Spruill.