Workforce Development & Internship Program Update (March 24, 2021)

We are nearing the end of our high school Senior rotations and there is no doubt we have had some amazing young people. Our final intern for the class of 2021 is no exception and has had tremendous success at Apopka High School. Please join us in welcoming Chalcedony Barnes.

Chalcedony is a dual-enrolled student with Valencia College and AHS where she studies within the Engineering Magnet, as well as Robotics and Digital Electronics. She will graduate near the top of her class, ranked #27 out of nearly 700 students! Last summer, she completed Harvard University Summer School for Faculty of Arts and Sciences with a focus on computer science programming and data visualization.

After graduation, Charcedony plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science with hopes to be employed as an information security analyst. She has her eyes set on attending Harvard University, but would happy as well to stay near home to attend either UCF, FSU, or UF.

When Chalcedony is not focused on her studies, she loves to read, dance, draw, bake, spend time with her family and traveling. Exploring new places and learning about different cultures as she travels to as many countries as she can is on her bucket list, which must include a visit to Paris!

One thing Charcedony wanted us to know about her us that she loves to help others. Another goal of hers is to one day open some type of shelter for those who are homeless, unemployed, or in need, and can stay until they get back on their feet while receiving some type of training or skills to apply for a job. Charcedony feels "that it is important for everyone to have the opportunity to support themselves and their family without having to worry about where their next meal is going to come or where to sleep for the night."