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Berwyn unveils City Ambassador internship; interns describe outreach, digital engagement
Summary
City communications staff presented the City Ambassador Internship program and heard three interns describe summer outreach, a TikTok initiative, and skills gained. Staff emphasized compensation, school eligibility, and outreach duties.
City of Berwyn communications staff introduced the City Ambassador Internship Program and three interns presented what they learned and produced during a summer term. Staff said the program has been refined over three years and provides paid opportunities to prepare high‑school students for civic engagement and communications work.
Why it matters: The program aims to build communications, public‑speaking and outreach skills among local students and to amplify youth voices in city government. Staff said compensation is provided so “every student has the chance to participate regardless of background or skill they specialize in.”
Melissa Fernandez, media manager for the communications department, introduced the program and the interns. Giancarlo "GC" Aronella — who began the program as an intern and now helps run it — thanked mentors and described the program as one that “really invests in interns and gives them the tools to succeed.” Intern Xavier Logan Barajas Cruz described outreach techniques he learned, saying interns should “simplify the information to only a few key words” and “be upfront and clear.” Nomar (Normand) Vello said the interns created a TikTok page (Next Gen Berwyn) and that their most popular video was a tutorial on how to obtain a Berwyn vehicle sticker, which “reached thousands of residents.”
Eligibility and duties: Staff said applicants must attend Morton West High School, be ages 16–18, be active leaders at school or in the community, and demonstrate skills in public speaking, creative content or writing, teamwork and clear communication. Bilingual Spanish skills and familiarity with digital tools like Canva or CapCut were described as preferred. Fernandez and director Claudia Ayala said the interns were engaged in community outreach, event support, content creation for social media, and collaborations with local organizations.
No formal council action was required; the item was a presentation to the council. Staff and council members thanked the interns and encouraged continuation of the program.
Ending: The council and staff expressed appreciation for the interns’ work and said they hope to continue the program in future summers.
