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Talents and Triumphs

Real Stories of Success and Transformation Through IgnitingTalent

Igniting Change, Changing Futures

We unlock potential, one story at a time.

At IgnitingTalent, our mission is brought to life through the experiences of our students, Career Launchers, and Educators. Each success story is a testament to the power of real-world experience and mentorship. These testimonials reflect the impact our program has had on individuals and organizations alike, showcasing how:

  • We help students discover their passions
  • Career Launchers mentor future talent
  • Educators guide their students toward successful careers.
Explore these stories to see the difference IgnitingTalent can make.
A student setting up a boom arm on a video shoot.

Experience the Journey

Witness the transformative power of real-world experience as students, Career Launchers, and Educators share their incredible Igniting Talent stories.

“IgnitingTalent is unlike other internship programs because our Career Launchers (host businesses) provide hands-on experience to give interns an in-depth understanding of the profession.” 

 

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Mary Schneider,
Program Manager,
IgnitingTalent

 

Our Partners

See What Students Are Saying

"My favorite part of participating in the IgnitingTalent program was being able to get real experience in some career fields I was interested in and just getting a general idea of what I would be getting into. "

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Sam Daricek – Coginchaug High School Senior

"IgnitingTalent matched me to internships in film production. The experience really set me forward, it helped me out so much. It made me ecstatic more so than I was beforehand. I would 100% recommend it to other students." 

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Tyler Soules – West Haven High School Senior

"The best parts of the Igniting Talent internships were how I was still learning so much but was able to laugh and have fun doing it all."

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Nico Ripani – East Haven High School Senior

See What Career Launchers Are Saying

"Our path in life is shaped by those we come in contact with. Looking back, I have come to understand and appreciate the power that family, colleagues and teachers have had on shaping who I am. It is my hope to pay this wonderful gift forward to our younger generations finding their path through life. Even if it's in a small, brief moment."

Charles

Charles "Duck" Unitas, CPP, Unitas Photography

“Our IgnitingTalent Intern was great. Her outputs were valuable, conducting competitive analysis on other fashion brands and creating blogs to be used for our website and social media. While a virtual internship isn’t always easy, she was effective and a team player. We’re appreciative to her for her contributions and look forward to keeping in touch.”

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Felicia Quido, Forte the Brand

“Being a Career Launcher has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Working with these high school students as they take their first steps toward building their career paths was inspiring. Their work ethic, dedication, and enthusiasm for their internships truly blew me away. This program is a testament to the bright futures these students have ahead of them.”

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Kim Kenny, Outreach and Grants Coordinator, Shoreline Wellness Center

See What Educators Are Saying

"IgnitingTalent provides our students with a great opportunity to experience things they are interested in and then made an educated decision on what they want to do after high school.”

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Jen Tzetzo, Capstone Coordinator & World Language Department Leader

“Our student is grateful for the opportunities you gave her. I’m sure we will have other students to connect you with. You guys are amazing and do wonderful things for these kids!"

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Christine Coyle, Daniel Hand High School

"The team at Igniting Talent are absolute rockstars.  Their dedication to providing students with career base learning and opportunities is evident throughout every facet of the program."

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Matt Thompson, Career Counselor & Capstone Coordinator

Facts and Figures

96%

Completion Rate

 

23

Career Fields Explored

 

28

Career Launchers

 

50%

2024 Grads Awarded $1000 Scholarship

Snapshots of Success

Explore moments of growth and achievement.

A male student holding up his graduation cap and diploma.
A graduating female student with a cap and gown on.
Photo of Adonyahe Harrison at Graduation (CROPPED)