Kitsap Regional Library celebrated 10 years of its Community Learning Internship, opens a new window with a ceremony honoring the 2025 Community Learning Interns, showcasing their projects, and thanking the staff and community members who have supported and guided the program since the beginning.
The night began with Megan Burton, STEM and Learning Supervisor, reflecting on her experience leading the program. The Community Learning Internship offers paid opportunities that prepare young adults for the workplace. Interns meet professionals working in careers that interest them, spend time job shadowing, and develop an interest-driven project. Megan thanked the program's community partners, families, and staff—particularly those at the Bremerton - MLK branch and in Public Services Support. Then she introduced her own mentor, Leigh Ann Winterowd.
"I've had the privilege of being a part of this project since the very beginning," said Leigh Ann, who is the North Kitsap Regional Branch Manager. "Over the past ten years, program alumni have stepped into classrooms, businesses, clinics, nonprofits, and community organizations. Some have even returned as mentors, giving back to the very program that once shaped them."
Indeed, interns past and present attended the ceremony in person and virtually, celebrating across the country, from Alaska to the East Coast.
Shelby Barnes, the Library's STEM and Learning Assistant, introduced each of this year's graduating interns. A member of the very first cohort, Shelby described the process of tackling not just one project, but two—a remarkable feat considering the internship used to encompass only 100 hours, before evolving to its present-day 360-hour duration. Shelby said the program bolstered her self-confidence, setting her up for a successful future. "Ten years later, this program has helped launch the careers of fifty interns."
2025 Community Intern Projects
Atley Carter investigated careers in Environmental Sciences, learning about certification and education requirements, and networking with those working in the natural sciences.
Grace Lambert's quest to find the right library job led her to create a library career guide based on interviews with a spectrum of library professionals, from archivists to executive directors, community engagement specialists to collections experts.
Manny Larson explored careers in media, creating an astrophotography guide to taking strong, visually dynamic photos.
Rachel Sharrett interviewed animators, digital artists, and graphic designers, ultimately writing and producing the first chapter of a graphic novel based on traditional stories of the Lummi Nation.
Ariana Stroud's passion for linguistics led her to develop and launch Language Club, a monthly meeting for learners of all languages to share knowledge and excitement
While their internship is over, the 2025 cohort is just getting started.
Ariana applied for a two-year position on the Equity Advisory Committee for the Puget Sound Regional Council and started a mentorship with Air Traffic Control. Atley enrolled at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and is studying Environmental Science. Grace continues to connect with librarians across the country and is in the final stages of completing a guide to librarianship for young adults. Meanwhile, Manny enrolled in Open Doors through WorkSource, an academic retrieval program, and is on track to earn his GED this fall. Rachel is delving further into the world of animation and film, having recently met with an admissions counselor at the Vancouver Film School and an animation editor at Nickelodeon.
"Your work is so inspiring to me," Megan said to the business leaders and library staff at the graduation. "Everything you share about how much you love your jobs helps these interns see themselves in these roles. If you can see it, you can dream it. And if you dream it, you can do it." Her voice cracked with emotion. "You make their dreams seem possible and in reach."
Does the Community Learning Internship sound like a good fit for you? We are actively recruiting for 2026! Kitsap County residents 16-25 are invited to apply between November 1 and November 30. Apply to join the 2026 cohort by emailing your resume to jobs@krl.org, sbarnes@krl.org, and mburton@krl.org. We will get in touch with you about next steps. Questions? Email STEM@krl.org for more information.
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