These applied experiences allow students the opportunity to learn how the skills and abilities they develop in their Sociology courses can be put to use in the real world.  Completing a summer or semester internship also allows students to explore career areas and refine plans for work, education, and their goals beyond their years at Washington College.  Financial support for internship work may be available for students.

Lilly Cook, '25, Sociology Major: Internship with Minary's Dream Alliance

In the fall of my junior year, I had the opportunity to intern with Minary's Dream Alliance in their after-school program at Kent County Middle School. Minary's after-school program had students from grades 6-8 who were in need of social and emotional support. I specifically worked to plan activities to make the after-school program fun for the kids who attended. We went on many field trips including Six Flags, Echo Hill, etc. This experience allowed me to connect with a younger population and understand the struggles they dealt with outside of the classroom.  I was able to give my advice and hear their stories from a point of view that I have never experienced. By the end of the semester, the kids had gained trust in my colleagues and I as we were not much older than them and understood middle school life and the hardships. 

Aaliyah Herbert, '24, Sociology Major: Internship with Kent County Local Management Board

During my junior and senior year here at Washington College I had the opportunity to intern at the Kent County Local Management Board working with their Local Care Team. The Kent County Local Care Team brings agencies together like Social Services, Juvenile Services, the Health Department, Wraparound Maryland, Upper Shore Mediation, Mobile Crisis and so many more to provide resources and support to children and families with intense needs. Their goal is to help these families thrive at home and in their communities by developing a plan of action to help them move forward. This internship has been very enlightening to me as it has opened my mind up to the endless possibilities there are in the world of social work. Before I was so unsure about what population I wanted to work with when becoming a social worker but now it is ever so clear to me that I want to dedicate my career to servicing children and families. In doing this internship, I have been able to learn about so many different agencies that provide services to this population that I knew nothing about before. This experience has taught me not only how to effectively collaborate with diverse agencies but also the importance of comprehensive care for children and families facing intense needs. Being part of the Kent County Local Care Team has shown me the significance of addressing the challenges that these families encounter. It's not just about addressing one aspect of their lives but understanding the interconnectedness of various factors, including social, mental/physical health, educational, and behavioral aspects. This perspective has influenced my view on the role of a social worker in facilitating positive outcomes for those in need. In addition, this internship has strengthened my skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. The collaborative nature of this experience has not only broadened my understanding of the social work field but has also provided me with practical skills that will be valuable in my future career. Seeing firsthand, the positive impact that these agencies can have on the lives of children and families has sparked my passion for this field. I now recognize the power of advocacy and the potential to be a voice for those who may not have one. The resilience and strength displayed by the families I've encountered during this internship have inspired me to commit myself to a career dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. As I reflect on my time with the Kent County Local Management Board, I am grateful for the knowledge I gained and the clarity it has provided regarding my professional path. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the well-being of children and families, and I am confident that the skills I obtained during this internship will serve as a solid foundation for my future career in social work.

Caryl Townsend, '24, Sociology Major: Internship with Rebuilding Together Kent County

In the spring of my junior year, I was honored to start interning at Rebuilding Together Kent County; a non-profit dedicated to ending substandard housing in Kent County. This organization partners with local volunteers and contractors to fix critical home repairs for our neighbors with limited incomes. As a sociology major, I felt that it was really important to put what I’ve learned into action – Rebuilding Together Kent County let me explore what it means to work at a non-profit, and it opened me up to a whole other side to Kent County that you don’t interact with as a student. My main focus, initially, was working on the Housing Survey – a survey dedicated to reporting the true housing conditions in Kent County. According to the current Census data, it only lists about 28 substandard housing units in Kent County, which is wildly inaccurate considering the 32 households RTKC (a 20-year-old non-profit) repaired just this year. As a very small county with a poverty rate around 12% (as reported from the Census), the accuracy of data is incredibly important, especially in regard to the stability and dependency of homes. A home is crucial to a person’s physical and mental well-being, and it’s a right that everyone should have.  

As the summer of my junior year was approaching, I decided that my work with RTKC and the housing survey was something I wasn’t ready to leave just yet. The executive director told me about a part-time administrative position, and I jumped at the opportunity. Now, as a staff person at RTKC, I get to see the actual homeowner application process alongside still working on the Housing Survey. If someone has questions about the application process or income verification, I go through the steps with them, and set them up for the first initial home visit. One of the most rewarding things about this job is seeing the applications from beginning to finish, because it’s a reminder that I have the ability to help in Rebuilding Together Kent County’s mission of repairing homes, revitalizing communities, and rebuilding lives – even if it’s just helping the neighbor through the first step.

Gabriella Scorsone, '23, Sociology Major: Internship with the Kent Family Center

I had the privilege of interning at the Kent Family Center here in Chestertown. I was able to work with a licensed social worker and with different families in the community. This experience allowed me to not only solidify my plans for a future career path but to also gain knowledge on how to interact with diverse families with different needs as a social worker. I learned how to complete paperwork forms such as LSPs (Life Skill Progression scale) and Family Partnership Agreements. I first sat in on a few meetings to get comfortable with how the paperwork process is done with the families and once I felt comfortable and formed a solid relationship with the families there, I was able to pull them aside individually and complete the paperwork independently. This not only taught me how to connect with clients but also built up my motivational interviewing skills. I also facilitated a social work group during the month of April called a Parent Café. This was a time when I got to choose a topic to present to the families and engage with them as a group. It was such a positive and empowering moment for me that I will never forget. Lastly, I was able to participate in community outreach events that allowed me to interact with the community and share all the great services that the family center provides. The most significant piece of advice I was given throughout this experience was the importance of forming bonds and connecting with the families I met. Without that foundation, I would have never been able to confidently speak in front of them as a group or even individually when doing paperwork. My internship at the Kent Family Center brought me out of my shell and I am grateful for it.