Oct. 24, 2024 |By Dani Young

Eighteen-year-old participant JayLeesa J. had the unique experience of interning at The NASA Glenn Research Center this summer.

JayLeesa first began her Y.O.U. journey with her Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG) class at Glenville High School. In her senior year, she was President of the Career Association within the class, which focuses on career development and leadership skills.

Her Career Specialist Instructor, Yolanda Veasey, noted how JayLeesa was shy at first, but then became more comfortable as she grew into her role, displaying great leadership, planning and organizational skills.

“She realized how much of a leader she is,” Veasey said. “I utilized her ideas and creativity and constantly gave JayLeesa affirmations to encourage her to keep thriving.”

JayLeesa heard about the Y.O.U. Internship Program through Veasey, who helped her to apply by assisting her with writing her resume and conducting mock interviews.

JayLeesa with her Career Specialist Instructor Yolanda Veasey

“Ms. Veasey has always been one of my biggest supporters,” JayLeesa said. “She immediately looked to me for this opportunity and overall supported me in any way that she could.”

Even after graduating high school, Veasey still stays in touch with JayLeesa, who recently visited Glenville to help welcome in the new JOG class.

“I believe JayLeesa is headed in the right direction,” Veasey said. “She believes in herself and has found her self-confidence, which is now the light to her path.”

The Y.O.U. Internship Program is a selective program available to eligible high school students in Cuyahoga County. Y.O.U. staff match participants with employers in their careers of interest, allowing them to gain valuable, hands-on experience and mentorship. Y.O.U. interns also attend professional development workshops and complete at least one nationally recognized certification.

This year, the Y.O.U. Internship Program collaborated with NASA for their Career Exploration and Research Experience program. Y.O.U. staff assisted with recruitment, matching students with mentors and handling other logistics. When the Y.O.U. Internship Specialists interviewed JayLeesa, they knew she’d be a great addition to the NASA Academy cohort. She was one of ten students selected for the 200-hour summer work experience.

JayLeesa was very surprised when she heard she was accepted into the NASA Academy, and she and her family were very excited.

“I’ve always had a passion for electronics. My dad is an electrician so growing up and watching him work always piqued my interest,” JayLeesa explained.

At Glenn Research Center, JayLeesa worked for the Photovoltaic and Electrochemical Systems Branch, which collaborates with the engineers to help execute missions and do risk assessments and evaluations to make them more successful. She assisted the organization with meeting and event planning, while also shadowing engineers, attending tours and completing experimental projects.

JayLeesa learned many technical skills such as coding and computer applications, as well as the importance of problem solving. She noted how the additional trainings put on by the Youth Opportunities Unlimited, such as financial literacy, were very beneficial.

“I would definitely recommend this program to others. I feel this program prepares you for the workforce.”

Coming off the impactful summer, JayLeesa is now in college studying electrical engineering.

“My experience at Glenn Research Center has confirmed my choice of being an aspiring engineer,” JayLeesa said in her final internship presentation. “What I have learned here will stay with me and be highly beneficial to the beginning of my career.”

Learn more about the Y.O.U. internship program here.