Social Justice at Miami

10 students. 10 internship experiences.

By Miami University

March 28^th, 2023

During her internship, Katie Ervin ’23 researched social determinants of health — such as food insecurity, housing, and transportation — among patients at Cincinnati's Crossroad Health Center. A few blocks away, Victoria Castel ’24 analyzed client data at Freestore Foodbank, eventually using that data to make a recommendation on an ideal food bank location for the community. Just a half mile down the road, Julian Wagner ’24 experienced his first non-profit internship at Cincinnati Works, an organization dedicated to employing community members and eliminating poverty.

In all, the 10 students participating in Miami University's 2023 Winter Term Social Justice Internship Program spent their days immersed in community agencies spanning law, workforce development, immigration, and more. Every evening, they came home to their shared housing in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, where they reconnected through conversation, shared meals, and camaraderie.

"Through this internship, I realized that I really like working with the community and being a part of it, rather than just talking about it...I'd rather be there with them."

— Jane Freeman '24

Now in its fourth year, Miami's Social Justice Internship Program is a Study Away experience organized and founded by visiting instructor of Social Justice Mark Curnutte ’84. Curnutte's approach to the program involves making sure that the students learn more about the options available to them as they make their way into the workforce with the aim of making a difference. "Part of what the program is trying to do," says Curnutte, "is show students what’s possible. That they don’t have to sacrifice their idealism. That they can make a living and be a part of social change." Speaking on the variety of internship opportunities available to the students, Curnutte adds that "whether it’s the Community Action Agency or the Freestore, or public interest law, or a public health clinic, they see what’s possible."

Beyond their internships, the cohort also experienced excursions and tours of neighborhood organizations such as La Soupe. In addition, they met with community leaders like Mona Jenkins, Director of Development and Operations at the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition.

Left to Right: Allison Sifri ’23, Katie Ervin ’23, Mona Jenkins, Maya Serrano ’25, Rudy Moise ’24, Julian Wagner ’24, Victoria Castel ’24, and Isabella Turner ’24.

“It’s really good to be able to intern at a place that is providing that justice to the community that needs it.”

— Tajah Foster-Walker ’23

Miami's Social Justice Internship Program is a three-week SOC 340 internship class that takes place over Winter Term. An experiential learning program, the students work at agencies throughout Cincinnati, most of them concentrated within walking distance in Over-the-Rhine and Downtown. They live together in an apartment building owned by Over-the-Rhine Community Housing that is paid for by Miami University. Monday through Thursday, students work full days at their individual internships. Each Friday, they meet for a class discussion or field trip.

Curnutte pioneered the program four years ago, matching students with agency partners that most closely match their interests and career goals. The program has involved nearly 20 agency partners over the years, and has been funded in part by generous donors such as John and Francie Pepper, Dianne Dunkleman, and the BOLD Employee Resource Group program at altafiber.

Left to right: Cam McCarty, Katie Ervin, Maya Serrano, Tajah Foster-Walker, Mark Curnutte.

Jane Freeman, left, with Tajah Foster-Walker.

Back row, left to right: Maya Serrano, Cam McCarty, Rudy Moise, Tajah Foster-Walker, Jane Freeman. Middle row: Victoria Castel, Katie Ervin, Isabella Turner, Alison Sifri. Front: Mark Curnutte.

This year, Miami students experienced internships at Crossroad Health Center, Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, Cincinnati Works, Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency, the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati, and Freestore Foodbank. At the end of the three-week program, the students gave presentations on their internship experiences and learnings at Graydon Meeting Space in Over-the-Rhine. Agency mentors, community leaders, and Miami faculty members attended the closing event to learn more about the students' experience.

Victoria Castel ’24 interned at the Freestore Foodbank.

Isabella Turner ’24 interned at the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center.

Allison Sifri ’23 interned at Over-the-Rhine Community Housing.

Cam McCarty ’24 interned at the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA).

Rudy Moise ’24 interned at the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA).

Maya Serrano ’25 and Katie Ervin ’23 interned at Crossroad Health Center.

"Part of what the program is trying to do is show students what's possible. That they don't have to sacrifice their idealism. That they can make a living and be part of social change."

— Mark Curnutte

With their internship now complete, the 10 students in the program are taking their learnings with them as they pursue their educational and career goals. For example, Katie Ervin has uncovered more information on the type of law she'd like to go into. "After my time at Crossroad," she says, "I see myself focusing more on serving the community with housing, or funding, or any area that causes insecurity — because that is what the people need." For his part, Curnutte is taking away an even deeper appreciation for the Miami students he teaches. "These are young people that haven't forgotten their life journey. They're not entitled ... they engage in a meaningful way with the people they serve," says Curnutte. "I hope they come away further convinced that they are capable of making a significant contribution to society."