Le Moyne Community Internship Initiative Launched to Aid in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic; Syracuse, Onondaga County to be First Partners

To better connect with and serve the local community – particularly government agencies, non-profit organizations and small businesses – the Le Moyne Community Internship Initiative (LCII) has been launched.

The goal of the LCII is to work with organizations to create and promote projects or internships that address their most immediate needs. At a time when many classes are remote and activities such as NCAA sports at the College will not take place this fall, this program will provide meaningful service leadership opportunities for students to keep them positively engaged with the community.

“Hundreds of local organizations already know the value of having a Le Moyne student on their team,” said Le Moyne President Linda LeMura. “This initiative will expand and deepen these partnerships to help our community, particularly during these challenging times. It will also allow students to explore potential career paths and engage with the community in a meaningful way, which is a vital component of our Jesuit mission.”

The City of Syracuse and Onondaga County will be the first entity to formally partner with the College on the initiative. Le Moyne representatives have been meeting with city officials to discuss what immediate needs could be fulfilled through the LCII. Among the work Le Moyne students could become involved with initially are policy research, data analysis, and social media and marketing activities.

“Le Moyne students are a tremendous asset to the City. As we welcome new and returning students to Syracuse this summer, they have the ability to make an even greater positive impact on our community. All we need to do is ask,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “City government already benefits from the talents of young people from Le Moyne. With LCII, we will be able to take on new challenges and better serve city residents.”

County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “As a Le Moyne graduate, I know firsthand the value of a Le Moyne education. As county executive, I know the value the College’s interns can bring to our public and private partners Onondaga County is proud to support this program which is more important than ever during these challenging times.”

The impetus for the program came, in-part, out of the current pandemic. “We asked ourselves how the College could increase engagement in meaningful ways given that so many organizations have been significantly impacted by the pandemic,” said Meredith Tornabene, director of the Office of Career Advising and Development at Le Moyne. “Many non-profits and small businesses in particular have struggled so we are ready to lend them a hand.”

Tornabene said that in the coming weeks, the College will be reaching out to area not-for-profits, government and small business to offer assistance.

“We will leverage existing relationships to develop new ways to engage with them,” Tornabene said. “The LCII will provide opportunities for students in their first and second year to explore career options and make a difference in our community without having to leave campus." 

To learn more about the program or discuss a need your organization may have, contact the Le Moyne’s Office of Career Advising and Development at [email protected].