Madison Public Library is hosting an AASPIRE (Affirmative Action Student Professionals In Residence) intern again as part of a citywide program this summer. A Madison Public Library Foundation grant is paying the intern’s salary.
Isabel Chiriboga-Pineda, a junior majoring in sociology at UW–Milwaukee, worked with Madison Public Library staff as a Marketing Intern last summer. By attending community events like Juneteenth and Parks Alive, working on the library’s Spanish Facebook page, and listening in on library board meetings, Isabel contributed to the library’s goal of equitable access to experiences, ideas, and resources. She also had the opportunity to learn about other city departments such as human resources, transportation, and engineering, and gained valuable insight into the many roles each department holds, as well as how they interact with each other.
Additionally, by collaborating with Liz Boyd and other Madison Public Library staff, Isabel developed new skills in graphic design, data analysis, and online communication. This summer, Isabel returned to the library to continue her work as a Marketing intern and build upon her skills.
AASPIRE internships offer underrepresented groups on-the-job experience with the City of Madison. The internships are available to current college students from an accredited university, a two-year technical college program, or from the city’s Community Partners training program. Students who have graduated within the past two years are also eligible to apply.
This paid summer internship lasts for eight to 10 weeks. Interns work on a limited term, management-level project. City managers provide guidance, mentoring, and a deeper understanding of public service. Interns are eligible for positions limited to city employees for up to six months after completing the internship.
Madison Public Library Foundation is grateful for donor gifts that have made AASPIRE internships possible.