Research & Insights / Rooted in Growth: Reflections from the 2025 Bloomberg Arts Internship Facilitators

Rooted in Growth: Reflections from the 2025 Bloomberg Arts Internship Facilitators

By Corinne Nichols and Annie Yuan

This summer, the Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program once again became a home for creativity, curiosity, and youth development. For seven weeks, 47 high school interns from across Boston explored their artistic voices, developed workplace skills, and built community — not just through the work they created, but through the relationships they formed with each other and the mentors guiding them.

At the center of that mentorship experience were Lead Facilitators Annie Yuan and Corinne Nichols, who spent the summer guiding, supporting, and learning alongside the interns. Whether it was during one-on-one check-ins, cohort-wide workshops, or creative field trips across Boston, Annie and Corinne helped create a space where interns could show up as themselves – to be seen, heard, and challenged to grow.

Now that the summer has wrapped, they’re sharing some reflections on what made this year’s BAI cohort so special, what they’ll carry forward, and what they hope interns take with them into whatever comes next.

Looking back on the BAI summer, what are a few of your favorite moments?

Annie Yuan: One of my favorite moments during the summer was Show Us Your Best Selves, where interns shared about themselves and what made them unique. Interns were excited to support one another and exchanged personal stories about their art, background and interests. I was especially proud of the interns during the final celebration, where final projects were showcased and performed. Every project highlighted each intern’s artistic skills, work site experience and collaboration. Seeing the interns collaborate and uplift each other has been my favorite part of the summer.

Corinne Nichols: One of my favorite moments was when we visited the Boston City Hall with our interns and participated in a social justice art making workshop, and the interns had the chance to write letters to the head of Boston City hall about specific issues and concerns they have about their city. We got to hear directly from, and see within their art, just how passionate they are about their city, and how directly they want to be able to take action to improve it.

What aspects of working with the interns do you find the most rewarding?

AY: What I found to be the most rewarding was seeing the interns grow and learn something new about themselves. In our conversations and 1:1 interactions throughout the summer, I heard that many interns wanted to step out of their comfort zone. As the summer went on, I saw them become more comfortable with reaching out for support or asking questions. By the end of the program, it was inspiring to hear about their growth and experience. Some interns gained more confidence in pursuing a career in the arts, one shared that they felt proud of improving at self-advocacy, many felt like they had expanded their network, and almost all valued the friendships they built. Working with these interns, I saw little bits of myself in each one of them, and seeing them grow in their craft has been very rewarding.

CN: I find that both the interns’ growth, and their active steps in striving towards success is super rewarding. When we first meet them in Orientation, we get a glimpse of their goals and vision. Then through the summer, having one-on-one conversations with peers, staff, and partners, they receive resources and challenges to take the next step. By the end, some interns have gotten job offers, made websites, and begun promoting their brands. These young people have the help and resources they need to truly chase their dreams, and we see them take some of the largest steps towards those dreams.

What do you think makes BAI unique compared to other youth programs you’ve been a part of?

AY: Early on, I realized that BAI was not just a program. It’s a community that youths take with them outside the internship. The expansive network of alumni and opportunities made possible through EdVestors is something I don’t see in other youth programs. Having a mix of arts and culture days, cohort programming, and worksite days is unique. Many youths don’t have the opportunity to explore outside their worksite and learn about professionalism, health and wellness, and career and college readiness. Our role is to teach them the rules of the game so they feel prepared to navigate it on their own. I think BAI does this really well.

CN: There is a unique balance within this program between work experience, civic engagement, college and career readiness, cultural immersion, and a true focus on each intern. These interns aren’t just working a 9-5; they are building a network with people who truly care about their personal success. Personalized support is given based on their needs and goals, and staff share a passion for youth and their importance in society. Many elements are designed around the idea that interns are experts in their own rights and bring so much to the program, and we want them to exhibit that and continue to grow.

What is a message you would like to share with the interns to carry forward into their school year and future?

AY: It is ok to not have everything figured out. Many of you feel like you need to know exactly what you want to do, but the process of discovering yourself doesn’t stop after high school — it will be a theme throughout your life. There will be people and events that make you feel less than and uncertain, but try to stay true to who you are. Stick to your beliefs, pursue your dreams, and keep showing up as yourself. You have presence and power. Don’t allow people or environments to erase your background and voice. Show up bold and confident even if parts of you are unconventional. You all have the power to change a culture where people fear being different. Carry that authenticity beyond BAI and continue showing up as your full self.

CN: Realize your worth. Take pride in your accomplishments. A space isn’t valuable until you enter it with your best. You always have something to bring to the table, and your place is deserved. Hold to your values. Never stop learning. Try new things, apply to positions you feel unqualified for. Fail a million times, each failure is a success in its own right. Never forget how valuable you are to your communities — family, friends, coworkers, classmates, neighbors. Your voice matters. Advocate for yourself. Stay connected. You have a million resources and people who want to see your success. Do your best but also take care of yourself — mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing are essential. Above all, know that we at BAI are proud of you, and we can’t wait to see where you go from here.

How has your experience being a lead facilitator contributed to or shaped the way you think about your own career path?

AY:As a lead facilitator, I have developed confidence and leadership skills. I realized that although I can lead a large group, I find the most fulfillment in one-on-one relationships. I will not be pursuing a career in arts or youth programming, but I practiced soft skills transferable to a career in STEM.
The care BAI fostered also healed a part of me. Growing up, I wasn’t always in supportive environments. It was impactful to contribute to a culture where people support each other with compassion and inclusion. It was refreshing to see spaces where youths can grow in positive, encouraging environments.

CN: As a future educator, BAI has introduced me to youth development outside of K–12 settings. It made me want to emphasize holistic development for my future students. Classroom learning is important, but students should also see themselves within a larger community. They can participate in local government, entrepreneurship, and networking while holding fast to their values and wellbeing. I’ve already begun developing lesson plans connected to the Boston community.

For Corinne: Returning as a lead facilitator, what felt different about this summer? What is something new you learned?

CN: Returning to the program, I felt more assured in my position and value to the team. Given BAI’s many elements, it’s hard to know what to expect until you meet the interns. Having seen one summer before, I came in with fresh ideas that would fit the program. This summer had a new group of students, with a unique set of accomplishments and needs. I was able to adapt and create activities fitted to our interns and their goals. As a staff, we worked as a more cohesive unit, where everyone knew their function and could give and seek support efficiently. We created learning opportunities valuable in the moment and applicable to daily life. I observed the wonderful planting, rooting, growing, and blossoming of the BAI community in seven weeks. Many interns fostered a sense of belonging and value for themselves and peers. I grew in confidence as a facilitator and connected with interns on a more personal level.