Interns learn about teamwork while helping out the community

A unique aspect to our internship program is the opportunity for our interns to engage in activities with the Kansas City community and build relationships with other employees through organized volunteer events. This past weekend, 42 of our interns and eight members of the Intern Planning Committee rolled up their sleeves to help out the community. They focused their efforts on the Brush Creek area, a 10 mile-long stream that runs from Johnson County, Kansas, through Jackson County, Missouri.

Outfitted with personal protection equipment, bags, and trash pickers, our interns took on two sections of the 10-mile creek along Blue and Swope Parkways last weekend. This was the first event of its kind hosted by the intern planning committee. Social distancing guidelines required interns to be in smaller groups, but this didn’t stop interns from getting to know each other as they picked up litter, says Hunter Harris, Student Engineer III intern.

“I wanted to volunteer so I could meet other interns and get some fresh air while making it [the creek] a better place for people to enjoy,” Harris said. “It doesn’t take nearly as long as you may think to clean up a park when you have enough people.”

The first park cleanup was a success as volunteers collected dozens of bags of litter from the area. Trash in the Brush Creek region has long been a concern of Kansas City officials and citizens alike. Raising awareness of these community needs is a big part of the intern experience according to Intern Planning Committee member Lauren.

“I am super passionate about introducing interns to the needs we have in KC, and why it’s important to help the less fortunate in our community,” said Hernandez. “Volunteer events are also a phenomenal way to team build with people that you may have worked with before or that are completely new to you.”

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this event a success.