Equipped to Thrive: Business Interns
This summer, four college interns—Jack (University of Virginia), Mateo (Yale University), Sophia (University of Virginia), and Silvia (Taylor University)—are helping teach the curriculum of our Life & Job Skills course across five ministry sites.
Mateo, Silvia, Jack, and Sophia
Each studying business in their universities, these interns bring their training, skills, and passions to serve alongside our ministries in the Dominican Republic.
Developed with Wheaton Academy students and staff, the course equips youth and staff with tools for budgeting, setting financial goals, managing resources, and preparing for professional life.
Alongside it, the interns are also piloting a brand-new Entrepreneurship course—designed as a next step for participants who’ve completed the Life & Job Skills training. It introduces foundational business concepts like investment strategy, professional business presentations, and creative problem-solving, aimed at providing youth and staff with practical skills for future business ventures.
“I’ve tried to save before but didn’t know how. Now I do—and I’m motivated.”
Mateo teaching staff members at Park School Caraballo
At Park School Caraballo, Miguel, the school’s groundskeeper who participated in the course, shared: “My dream is to buy a house. I’ve had several ideas through the class, and one method I have is to buy animals and become a rancher. Saving alone won’t get me there, but if I invest my savings, I can reach my goal in fewer years.”
Participants are discovering the power of long-term thinking. “I’ve tried to save before but didn’t know how,” said another participant. “Now I do—and I’m motivated.”
Silvia, who co-leads both courses, reflected: “Many participants had never heard of saving or investing before. It’s been a blessing to share what we’ve learned and watch others begin to think differently.”
From our programs in Santo Domingo, Constanza, Caraballo, and Jarabacoa, the interns are supporting our goal of equipping youth to live a life of independence and service. With every lesson, participants are growing in confidence, learning to manage what God has entrusted to them, and imagining new possibilities for their lives and families.
The course continues to build momentum and bring lasting change to our ministries across the country as national staff continue to bring the material to our students and staff.