Almost 40 District 202 students spent their summer gaining hands-on work experience, exploring career pathways and developing professional skills through the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) Summer Internship Program.
More than 1,200 students from across Will County applied for competitive internships this summer, with 125 placed at participating organizations.
The 2026 program marked District 202’s first year participating in the Will County CED Summer Internship program, connecting students with paid opportunities at local businesses, government agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofits and community organizations.
“Our students benefit greatly when they can connect classroom learning to practical experiences,” said Dr. Glenn Wood, Superintendent of District 202. “We appreciate the many local businesses and organizations that opened their doors, shared their expertise and invested their time in helping our students explore future careers.”
One of the program’s unique opportunities came through Plainfield Arts Community Theatre (PACT), which hosted five District 202 students this summer. 
The all-volunteer organization received 32 applicants for the five internships, giving students hands-on experience supporting PACT’s two summer productions and Children’s Theatre Camp.
Plainfield High School-Central Campus junior Ana Alexopoulos was one of the five students who interned with PACT, gaining experience in theater marketing. She promoted productions by creating social media content, distributing flyers, hanging posters at local businesses and photographing performances.
“Throughout this process, I learned that I am able to take on and lead much more than I thought I was,” Alexopoulos said. “Previously to this internship, I had no experience within the workplace, so it was a bit intimidating to speak up and use my voice. I was fortunate to be a part of a warm and welcoming environment that let me both find and use my voice in constructive and beneficial ways.”
PACT Intern Coordinator Susan Hohlman said the organization participated in the program to help create meaningful opportunities for local youth while exposing students to careers in the arts.
“The CED intern program is an exemplary program to support young adults to have hands-on experiences in their chosen disciplines,” Hohlman said.
Plainfield North High School senior Madeleine Yui spent the summer exploring careers in transportation and public service through her internship with Pace Suburban Bus. 
“I saw Pace buses all the time on the roads, and I was curious to see everything that went into sending the buses out on time and keeping them well-maintained,” Yui said. “This internship gave me a broad exposure to every working part at a Pace division, from the administrative offices to the dispatchers to the garage and maintenance area.”
Pace Suburban Bus Assistant Division Manager Eric Weis said hosting student interns helps employers invest in the workforce while giving students meaningful exposure to careers they may not otherwise experience. Pace has partnered with the Will County CED’s Summer Internship Program for the past three years.
Yui made a strong impression through her willingness to learn, thoughtful questions, and growing confidence.
“Working with Madeleine was a pleasure,” Weis said. “She showed a lot of interest in our organization, was not afraid to ask the right questions and really came out of her shell throughout the summer. We enjoyed having her and would welcome the opportunity to have her return next year.”
Yui said the internship gave her more than a glimpse into the transportation industry.
“I gained new skills, built professional relationships and experienced what it's like to work a full-time schedule,” she said.
Plainfield East High School 2026 graduate Colin Dominiak said his summer internship with the Village of Romeoville Police Department confirmed that law enforcement is “truly the career I want to pursue.”
Dominiak gained an inside look at the day-to-day operations of a law enforcement agency, spending time with Community Oriented Policing, investigations and the records department. He learned about patrol, evidence investigations, police paperwork and the variety of roles within the department.
“I encourage my peers to pursue internships related to their career interests because it is truly eye-opening,” he said.
Plainfield South High School junior Brianna Ham interned with the Plainfield Township Highway Department.
“The internship was amazing and such a helpful learning experience,” Ham said. “I also got to meet incredible people who showed me why they love what they do.”
Looking Ahead
District 202 plans to build on the partnership by becoming an internship host in 2027, said Dr. Paula Sereleas, District 202 Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.
“We are proud to partner with the Will County CED and look forward to expanding opportunities that help our students explore careers and prepare for future success,” Sereleas said.
The Will County CED will host a breakfast at the District 202 Administration Center for prospective 2027 internship hosts on Sept. 8.
The event will provide local businesses and organizations with information about the Summer Internship Program and how they can participate as internship hosts.
2026 Internship Partners Supporting District 202 Students
District 202 recognizes the following organizations for partnering with the Will County CED this summer to provide valuable workplace experiences for District 202 students:
Business, Finance, Technology and Industry
· Abri Credit Union
· AME Audio Video, Inc.
· Aux Sable Liquid Products Inc.
· RME Audio Video, Inc.
· SERVPRO of Joliet & SERVPRO of Plainfield & Shorewood
Government, Transportation and Public Service
· District Office of State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel
· Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura’s Office
· Pace Suburban Bus
· Plainfield Township Highway Department
· Troy Township
· Village of Bolingbrook
· Village of Plainfield
· Village of Romeoville
Healthcare, Education and Human Services
· Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care
· Saint Joseph Medical Center
· Southern Will County Cooperative for Special Education
· Trinity Services, Family Counseling Center
Community, Arts and Nonprofit Organizations
· Joliet Area Historical Museum
· Joliet Public Library
· Plainfield Area Public Library
· Plainfield Arts Community Theatre
· The Salvation Army Joliet Corps
· Will County Animal Protection Services
To learn more about becoming an internship host, please contact Will County CED Vice President of External Affairs Kayla Sorensen at internship@willcountyced.com.