LOCAL INDUSTRY HIRES SUMMER INTERNS FROM AREA HIGH SCHOOLS
A kickoff breakfast was held to recognize and celebrate the 27 students selected to participate in the 2026 Grundy County Summer Internship Program. Nancy Norton, President and CEO of the GEDC, welcomed attendees and expressed appreciation to the businesses, students, educators, and community partners whose continued support has helped make the program a success.
Lance Copes, Director of the Grundy Area Vocational Center, spoke to the students about the valuable opportunities available through the internship program. He encouraged them to embrace the experience, build professional relationships, and make the most of the skills and knowledge they will gain throughout the summer.
Ethan Scrogham of Grundy County, a former GEDC intern, shared his personal experience with the program and discussed its benefits for both students and participating employers. Scrogham explained how the connections he developed during his internship with the GEDC helped him secure a subsequent internship with Grundy County’s Finance Department, demonstrating the long-term value of networking and professional experience.
State Senator Sue Rezin, a founding supporter of the initiative, congratulated the students on their selection and encouraged them to take pride in the accomplishment. She emphasized that the program provides meaningful hands-on experience while introducing students to the wide variety of career opportunities available within Grundy County.
This year, 27 paid internships were offered through 15 local companies and organizations, providing students with valuable career exploration opportunities across a range of industries. Since its inception in 2013, the program has experienced tremendous growth. What began with just three companies has expanded into a highly competitive program that attracted more than 130 applicants this year. To date, more than 320 students have participated in the program.
The Grundy County Summer Internship Program was established through a collaborative effort between local industry and education leaders to highlight career opportunities within the region and encourage young talent to build their futures in Grundy County. The initiative was launched in 2013 through a partnership among Senator Rezin, the GEDC, local businesses, and area schools. Today, it continues to serve as a vital workforce development tool, connecting students with real-world experience while helping employers cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals.
The 2026 Grundy County summer interns are:
Aux Sable/Pembina
Juan Martinez
Chasing T’s Inkooperated*
Mia Hinrichs
City of Morris
Sam Mateski
Coal City Public Library
Paisley Jackson
D’Arcy Motors
Ethan Gonzalez
Grundy County Chamber
Kylie Overbeck
Grundy County
Sarah Crisman
Grundy County Transit System*
Noemi Trejo
LyondellBasell
Madilynn Babcock
Layla Miller
Morris Hospital
Addison Dworak
Caitlin Gile
Layla Granby
Calleigh Hamilton
Averie Hodgen
Avery Housman
Sydney Larson
Manya Patel
Madelyn Shell
Mackenna Stewart
Olivia Weatherbee
Morris Hospital YMCA*
Olivia Stanley
SPACECO
Aidan Meister
US Cold Storage
Alexander Foster
Alyssa Jepson
Village of Channahon
Wesley Evans
Village of Minooka
Brodie Peterson
*Denotes new company for 2026
