Friday, January 18, 2008

Emmett J. Conrad (EJC) Internship Program helping Dallas students

By Patrice J. Holmes of Dallas Weekly

Dallas-area college students can look forward to a summer of service, leadership and employment with the Emmett J. Conrad (EJC) Internship Program application process getting underway this month.

The internship program, named in honor of Emmett J. Conrad who was the first African-American chief of staff at Saint Paul Hospital and the first African-American on the Dallas school board, is the brainchild of Senator Royce West. The program provides leadership training for high school and college students and assists students with acquiring employment experience. This year represents the 15th year for the program.

The EJC program is open to students of all majors and represents universities and colleges from around the nation.

“It’s a legacy now,” Sen. West said. “There is a prestige attached to it and when people see the program, they know you have solid experience.”

Sen. West’s chief of staff, LaJuana Barton, says it is a privilege to be a part of this program.

“Participation is not guaranteed,” Barton said. “Students must compete with one another to join, and they must realize that this is not just a job. It’s a total mindset.”

Barton says she has seen both the growth of the program and the individuals involved during her tenure.

“We have to create our own leaders, and there are people and opportunities present to help mold them,” Barton said.

The molding process represents only one part of the entire internship program’s overall goal. Sen. West says character building and leadership development through community and civic activities are the basis of what the EJC program wants to instill in students, which are the same ideals Emmett Conrad stood for. If a student gets the chance to participate, it can enhance their outlook on any endeavor they choose to pursue.

“I have seen students come through the program and become doctors, engineers, architects, lawyers and business people,” Sen. West said. “We are a part of their foundation.”

Former intern and EJC alumni association president Shantelle Gray said she would like to think the opportunities are limitless for interns participating in the EJC program.

“It is our obligation to help foster the development of the interns through the various seminars and workshops conducted during the summer. These workshops build valuable skill sets that are necessary tools as the interns graduate and transition into various careers,” Gray said.

Gray works closely with the interns as do several former students like Ezra James who served as advisor to the 2007 intern class.

“Coming back and working with the program is like actually being in the program. It’s interesting, and it’s a chance to give back,” James said.

But the program is about more than experience and giving back. Richard Lavallais, Prairie View A&M University senior and 3-year EJC intern, says that communication skills and networking are important lessons EJC imparts on its interns.

“I learned how to be a more effective communicator and networker,” said Lavallais. “It’s a positive experience, and I learned a lot about interaction and broadening my perspective of college students in general.”

Like Lavallais, Andre’ Board, Morehouse College junior and first-year EJC intern, says the experience is invaluable.

“It was a good experience serving the community and being exposed to new aspects and opportunities of Dallas,” Board said. “I met peers that were very ambitious and driven, people who wanted more for themselves.”

Although there are thousands of students that have come through this life-changing program, there are still more to touch. But Board said the experience is what the students make it.

“You choose what you want to get out of the program. The more active you are will determine the output you get from it,” he said.

The EJC committee will be accepting applications until mid January for students with drive, leadership potential, and a background in academic achievement and community involvement.

For more information about the Emmett J. Conrad Internship program, visit http://www.west.senate.state.tx.us/drconrad/abstract.htm

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