Inaugural Year Brings Great Success For Wabash County Fellowship Program

By: 2024 Wabash County Fellow

The inaugural year of the Wabash County Fellowship Program was an unforgettable experience for me and the other nine Fellows who participated. As a paid, 12-week summer internship with housing included, it was unlike any other opportunity I had seen. This wasn’t just about building my resume—it was about being fully immersed in Wabash County, Indiana, and making a real difference through hands-on projects with local employers.

What made this program stand out was how it went beyond the usual internship experience. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the Fellowship was designed to connect us not only to our employers but also to each other and the community as a whole. We weren’t just sitting in offices doing routine tasks. We were out there, working on real projects that mattered. I got to apply my skills in ways that directly impacted the organization I was placed with, and I wasn’t alone—each of the Fellows had the chance to take on meaningful projects for different employers throughout Wabash County.

One of the coolest things about the program was how diverse our group was. We came from all different academic backgrounds, and each of us brought something unique to the table. Whether it was business, engineering, or creative arts, we all had the chance to contribute our talents to the projects we worked on. I personally felt like I was making a real difference, and it was awesome to see the fresh ideas we brought actually make an impact.

Living in Wabash County for the summer was another highlight. The program provided housing, so instead of just showing up for work and leaving at the end of the day, we were part of the community. We got to experience the county’s culture and see what makes this place special. I felt like I belonged, whether I was grabbing coffee downtown, kayaking on the rivers, or hanging out at one of the many local events we were invited to. We even got complimentary tickets to events like the Half Marathon and the Bluegrass Festival at Hopewell.

On top of all the fun, the Fellowship gave us opportunities to network with local leaders and professionals. We got to meet and learn from people who are passionate about making Wabash County a great place to live and work. One of my favorite parts was the networking event with the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, where we heard from industry experts and connected with people who could help guide our future careers.

By the end of the summer, it was clear that the Wabash County Fellowship Program had not only given me valuable professional experience but had also made me feel like I was part of something bigger. It was inspiring to see how our work made a real difference for our employers and the community. For anyone looking for an internship that’s more than just a stepping stone to a career, this program is a game-changer. It set the bar high for future Fellows and left me excited to see what comes next for Wabash County.