What’s New

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

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.

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.

Lakeview Precision Machining hosted students from Central, Hampshire, St. Charles East and St. Charles North high schools as part of Alignment and Northern Kane County Region 110’s summer internship program. Students had the opportunity to design and manufacture prototypes from their experiences.

Thank you to the Lakeview team for providing this wonderful opportunity for these students.