Internship Instills Self Esteem, Belonging for Young Women


Giving African American young women “real world” experiences and opportunities to explore their potential, FCCS is partnering with the Center for Healthy Families on a culturally-specific internship program designed to instill skills, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. 

For the second consecutive year, the Black Girls and Young Women’s Collective is providing young people who have been served by Children Services with hands-on learning around project planning, problem solving, and other self-development and leadership skills

So far, the enriching activities have included testifying at Columbus City Council and planting pinwheels at City Hall in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

The group has also heard from local Black professionals who encouraged them to develop their own self-advocacy skills. 

For 21-year-old Miatta, a former foster youth and current college student, the internship is “an opportunity for Black girls to come together, learn how to make a change, and stand up for themselves.”

Derianna, a 16-year-old high school junior, feels the Collective is “a great learning experience that has taught me how to advocate for myself and help in my community.” 

Members of the Collective are also responsible for planning events for the community. In September, they hosted the second annual “Paint Your Mind,” giving girls, boys, and young adults an opportunity to explore their artistic side. The interns created a budget, hired vendors, and served as emcees and hosts during the event at the Columbus Commons. 

Another major event was a forum to mark the International Day of the Girl on October 11, with a panel discussion, led by Collective members, on mental health issues faced by Black girls.  

Ultimately, the Collective is a source of support and sisterhood for these young women. “We respect and care about each other. We are sisters. We are one. We move together,” said Miatta. 

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