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Alignment Collaborative for Education - ACE

Archives for July 2025

Well Child Center hosts “Project Smile” Internship

Students Explore Careers in the Dentistry Profession

For students interested in a career in the dentistry field, the best place to be this summer was at Well Child Center. The 60-hour internship included visiting with dental professionals, shadowing their work, and spending time in Well Child Center’s dental clinic. Interns also had the opportunity to visit dental programs at both Elgin Community College and the College of DuPage as possible starting points for their education in the dentistry field beyond high school. “Full implementation of the 60-hour Project SMILE internship focused on careers in dental professions was nothing short of amazing,” reported Michelle Zajac Esquivel, MPH, Executive Director, Well Child Center. “Every intern expressed enthusiasm for how much they learned and noted how much they enjoyed the observation and shadowing time in Well Child Center’s dental clinic, as well as other local dental and oral surgery practices.”

While at Well Child Center, interns also learned more about public health and the contribution that clinics like Well Child Center contribute to the community’s overall healthcare services. Interns focused on removing barriers to dental hygiene practices and encouraging healthy nutritional choices through communications and education to families. Interns even had the opportunity to deploy their marketing skills, creating social media posts and infographics directed to families in the community.

All nine students that completed the “Project Smile” internship gave it rave reviews. Haniya Malkani, a senior from Hampshire High School, described the internship as “a great learning experience where I got to connect with professionals, ask meaningful questions, and contribute to creative projects like social media posts and bulletin boards. It helped me grow my confidence and communication skills while working as part of a team.”


In this internship, the Well Child Center team was committed to creating an experience for high school students that focused on both their professional and personal growth while also allowing students to exercise their creativity and communication skills. From this experience, students developed mentors in the healthcare profession as well as friendships with peers from multiple high schools in the region.

Thank you to the Well Child Center for providing this opportunity to students to pursue their career interests, learn more about their community, and to build solid career plans for the future.

For more student highlights, view the Project Smile slideshow.

First Responder Internship Expands

The Program has Attracted 20 Students From School Districts U-46, 300, and 301

Bartlett Police Department, Hanover Park Fire Department, and Hanover Township Emergency Management Services Interns
Elgin Fire and Police Department Interns

Article by Riley Penar, Central High School and Emily O’Hearn, Larkin High School.

Bartlett Police Department, Hanover Park Fire Department, and Hanover Township Emergency Management Services offered ten students a comprehensive exposure to First Responder professions. New this year, the Elgin Fire Department and Elgin Police Department hosted their own pilot program where an additional ten interns gained experience in emergency management, fire, and public safety.

On site at the seven fire stations in Elgin, along with Hanover Park’s Station 15, interns worked alongside First Responder professionals learning fire-fighting procedures and emergency medical skills, while also earning their CPR and Stop the Bleed certifications. Bartlett and Elgin Police Departments focused on dispatch communications, search and seizure procedures, excessive force parameters and overall public safety while also partnering with Hanover Township Emergency Management Services.

The students described this internship as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that deepened their understanding of careers in public safety. An average student’s summer does not typically consist of going to fire and police stations and spending their time with local heroes. Bernie Nevares, a firefighter and paramedic from Hanover Park encouraged the students to “push yourself as far as you can go”. This valuable opportunity taught these twenty students how to cope with stressful situations, gain new perspectives, and get over the fear of asking questions. Students in the Elgin program visited with Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley as she reflected on her 30 years of experience, encouraging students to understand the “why” of selecting this profession and staying true to that commitment.

Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley shares insights with the student interns. (left) Bartlett Police student interns learn about forensics. (right)

Nathan Shanley, an incoming Junior at South Elgin High School stated, “It has been really unique. I received great exposure to the fire service industry, and it definitely made me reconsider my career options because this has been such a cool experience.” Opportunities like this do not come often, so when a student is interested in becoming a First Responder they are highly encouraged to apply for this internship. The value and solidification in their career decisions are what the program encourages. The connections that are made with instructors and fellow interns is why this internship stands out.

Furthering a student’s education in the work environment is a main priority of Alignment. Students having fun while doing it is an added benefit! Thank you to the Bartlett Police Department, Elgin Fire and Police Departments, Hanover Park Fire Department, and Hanover Township Emergency Services for an opportunity of a lifetime.

For an overview of our First Responder Internships this year, please view our video:

Article by Riley Penar, Central High School (left) and Emily O’Hearn, Larkin High School (right), serving as interns for the Alignment Collaborative for Education.