How high school interns are beautifying south Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Professional development is intersecting with community improvement and design through a paid summer internship program.
"It's just such a blessing to be in this program," high school sophomore Jeremiah Bazemore said. "It's such an amazing opportunity and I'm truly grateful. I'll truly remember this forever."
The CoLab Studio is a Neighborhood Design Center internship. The local nonprofit created it to give youth the chance to complete a real-life project that makes a difference.
"Not every community is perfect and doing stuff like this, I would say it brings the community together," high school junior Ronnie Wren said. "So, I'm glad to be a part of this. It's probably, like, the best opportunity I've ever had as a summer job."
This year, students were tasked with revitalizing a popular community resource on Columbus' south side.
"Art, I would say, it's a form of expression," Wren said.
Ten local high school students have been hard at work transforming the All People's Fresh Market on the corner of Parsons Avenue and Whittier Street.
"It was a little lifeless," Bazemore said. "It was a little empty."
Over the last seven weeks, the interns have been paid to bring the market to life by designing and implementing a space that is “fresh, free and flourishing.”
"The intention was to make it seem inviting, to invite the community, make it known that this is an open space," Bazemore said. "That's why we had that slogan on the mural."
That mural is almost complete. New art includes a queue line complete with fresh produce and games, a road mural to direct car traffic, and fresh landscaping.
"I can look back on this and show family, show people I connect with in the future, and say, ‘Hey, I was a part of this really big project,’" Wren said. "I got to make a difference in my community."
The paid internship program is an initiative that the Neighborhood Design Center started two years ago.
"We realize there's a certain demographic that we specifically hadn't been targeting, which is youth in Columbus," Neighborhood Design Center project coordinator Mikey Mlakar said. "They don't have as many opportunities to get into design and we know that there are plenty of interesting, creative kids out there that exist in our communities."
The students said the experience has been life-changing.
"If we weren't getting paid, I would still do this," Bazemore said. "I would still contribute to this entire program because it's teaching me new skills for the future. Like, I've piqued an interest for landscaping through this program. I've enhanced my skills in art through this program, and communication and leadership."
When asked if they'd do it again, every intern answered yes in a heartbeat.
"This program gets kids to stay off the streets, to have a better way of making money," high school freshman Faith Smith said.
There will be a large community celebration at the All People's Fresh Market from 12 to 2 p.m. Friday, where the students will unveil their artwork to the public.