Saint Paul College hosted The Progressive Internship Partnership celebration event on February 9, 2016
Pictured from left: Commissioner, Victoria Reinhardt; Saint Paul College President, Rassoul Dastmozd; Commissioner, Rafael Ortega; Commissioner, Jim McDonough; Metro State Student Intern, Khalid Dayib; Commissioner, Toni Carter; Metro State President, Devinder Malhotra; and Saint Paul College Intern, Kee Vang.

Saint Paul College graduate, Kee Vang wants to make a difference in his community. Now a Business Administration major at Metropolitan State University, he seeks to build valuable and sustainable relationships with various ethnic groups in creative ways.

Through a new partnership between Saint Paul College, Metro State, and Ramsey County called The Progressive Internship Partnership, Vang was able to land an internship that is helping him live his dream with the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department.

The Progressive Internship Partnership, launched in 2015, is designed for students starting their education at Saint Paul College and then continuing to Metro State for their Bachelor’s. The internship lasts two academic years – each year working on a different project in a different department.

Vang, along with Metro State’s Khalid Dayib who is working in Ramsey County’s Finance department, were the first interns selected for this new partnership. With the programs inaugural year’s success, it is slated to grow to four interns in 2016 and to eight interns in 2017.

Saint Paul College President, Rassoul Dastmozd says he is grateful for The Progressive Internship Partnership with Ramsey County; "The Progressive Internship model provides our students with the opportunity to earn a livable wage, be engaged in real hands-on meaningful work experience, ultimately cultivate and establish the social connection that they need to be able to secure competitive employment."

Students like Vang also understand the importance of making connections and creating partnerships in order to build a stronger community; “When you see someone, don’t just see them as a stat; connect with them, mentor them, believe in them, and they may just surprise you and reach their full potential in life.”

For more information about The Progressive Internship Partnership contact Sheryl Saul at sheryl.saul@saintpaul.edu.