In a state where nonprofits employ 1 in 6 workers and constitute 20% of the economy, training the next generation of Mainers to lead our most valued organizations is imperative. Through our Next Gen Nonprofit Leadership program, Spurwink is preparing passionate, community-minded young people for career success.
Thanks to the generous support of the Abbagadassett Foundation, since 2024, we’ve provided paid, hands-on internship opportunities for 26 Maine students from 11 colleges and universities—several of whom are now full- or part-time Spurwink employees. This winter, we welcome our fourth cohort of interns, who are supporting departments across the agency while developing key skills in nonprofit management.
Each semester, interns assist with projects in their respective departments, visit Spurwink program sites, meet with staff to discuss their career goals, and attend talks from leaders in our field. Throughout their tenure as interns, they develop capstone projects aligned with their studies, which they present to their families, staff, and community partners.
Spurwink will equip our 6 new interns, selected from a pool of 64 applicants, with the skills they need for a successful career in behavioral health care and nonprofit management.
Kelly Kundimana, a senior from Saco majoring in Communications & Media Studies at the University of Southern Maine, is assisting Spurwink’s Advancement team.
Isabella Byram, a senior from Hermon majoring in Human Resource management at Thomas College, is interning with Spurwink’s HR department.
Sam Perkins, a sophomore from Jay majoring in Business Administration and Actuarial Science, is joining our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) team.
Abigail Woolls, a junior from Cape Elizabeth majoring in Psychology and Disability Studies at the University of Southern Maine, is working with Outpatient and Community Services.
Emily Ruocco, a senior from Scarborough majoring in Accounting & Finance and Economics at UMaine Orono, is interning with our Finance department.
Emma Doyon, a senior from Pittson majoring in Computer Science at the University of Phoenix, is assisting our IT Help Desk team.
“This internship has been incredibly meaningful to me as it’s helping prepare me for a fast-paced professional environment while allowing me to contribute to work that truly matters,” Kelly says. “What I enjoy most about Spurwink is the genuine sense of teamwork and shared commitment to advancing its mission.”
The Abbagadassett Foundation’s support has made it possible for us to provide paid opportunities to hardworking, interested young people who will go on to serve as leaders and advocates in their communities.
