Rhodes College Students Embark on Internship with Youth Villages

Rhodes College students Sudiksha Polasa and Julia Schuetze have been selected for a highly competitive internship with Youth Villages, a national leader in mental and behavioral health. As part of the program, they will spend the summer working with youth aged 6 to 17, gaining hands-on experience in positive development, goal implementation, and recreational activities. This opportunity is a testament to the college's emphasis on real-world learning and application of classroom knowledge.

Key Takeaways:

• 70 percent of Rhodes College students complete at least one internship per year.
• 92 college students from across the nation have been selected for the Youth Villages summer internship program.
• The program had over 950 applications for its 2025 program, making it highly competitive.
• The internship is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in mental and behavioral health, including working with youth aged 6 to 17.
• Students will assist with positive development, goal implementation, and recreational activities, and serve as positive role models.
• Polasa and Schuetze will gain valuable skills and deepen their understanding of behavioral health while working with Youth Villages.

Statistics:

• 70 percent of Rhodes College students complete an internship annually.
• 92 students from across the nation are participating in the Youth Villages internship program.
• 950+ applications were received for the 2025 Youth Villages internship program.

Sources:

• News release from Rhodes College
• Information provided by Youth Villages