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Learning Doesn't Take a Summer Break for These Students
Posted on July 20, 2026 • Category: Impact Stories
Interns toured the AES Wind Farm Project and Invenergy Solar Project to see renewable energy in action and learn more about careers powering the future.
As part of CFA's Arizona Pathways to Prosperity initiative, we're continuing to adapt and expand internship experiences that meet the unique needs of rural communities — connecting students to meaningful career exploration and real-world experiences that may not otherwise be available close to home. This summer, high school students in rural regions across Arizona participated in paid virtual and in-person internships funded through the Department of Labor's Workforce Pathways for Youth Grant.
Students from Kingman, Chinle, Benson, Rio Rico, Tombstone, and Yuma took part in this experience.
Partnered with the Grow Arizona Workforce Network and the Growing Forward Garden Project to tackle authentic projects, from developing a searchable scholarship database for Arizona students to creating solutions that support a community garden initiative.
Interns strengthened skills in data organization, teamwork, client communication, and professional presentations.
Invenergy Energy In-Person Experience
In partnership with Invenergy and Grow Arizona, students in Navajo County increased their awareness of careers in the energy industry.
Interns learned about marketing concepts from Invenergy, Northland Pioneer College and Mountain Mojo communication professionals. They also took tours of local solar and wind energy facilities at Invenergy.
The internship wrapped up with presentations to Invenergy leaders, where interns received feedback on marketing materials they developed to promote career opportunities to peers in northeastern Arizona.
The Impact
Every student deserves the opportunity to explore meaningful careers, regardless of where they live. By bringing high-quality internship experiences to rural Arizona, CFA is helping young people build the skills, confidence, and professional connections that prepare them for future success while strengthening the local talent pipeline for communities across the state.
