Internship with Intention

By: Christine Flohr

The Wabash County Fellowship Program is intentionally designed to be more than a summer internship — it’s an immersive, community-connected experience that invites fellows to truly live, engage, and belong.

From the moment fellows arrive, they are welcomed not just into workplaces, but into homes, neighborhoods, and community traditions. Backyard BBQs hosted by local families create space for meaningful conversations and authentic connections. Community leaders open their doors for private receptions, offering fellows direct access to mentors, entrepreneurs, and civic visionaries who are shaping the future of Wabash County.

Entertainment and the arts play a central role in the fellowship experience. Fellows attend live performances hosted by Honeywell Arts and Entertainment, where nationally touring artists perform. They experience events like Bluegrass at Hopewell, featuring live bluegrass music in a rural setting that celebrates both culture and community. These shared experiences allow fellows to connect with one another while also discovering the vibrant creative energy that defines the county.

Exploration is equally important. A ride on historic Trolley No. 85 offers a unique introduction to Wabash County’s rich heritage, paddling the Wabash River in a kayak, or hiking through a nature preserve; fellows have the chance to see and do it all. Whether it’s visiting local shops or attending festivals, fellows experience the county from the inside out.

Service is woven throughout the program as well. By partnering with organizations like Wabash River Defenders for river clean-up projects, fellows contribute to environmental stewardship while building camaraderie and purpose.

The Wabash County Fellowship Program believes professional growth happens best when paired with personal connection. By blending career experience with culture, service, hospitality, and fun, the program ensures fellows don’t just complete an internship — they become part of a community.

For more information about the Wabash County Fellowship Program, please contact Conner Hindman, Director, Imagine One 85, conner@cfwabash.org