We recently partnered with Mesa College to document their Impactship Program – an innovative, people-first approach to paid work experience for students. At its core, the program helps break down some of the biggest barriers students face when stepping into professional spaces: unpaid labor, lack of support and not knowing where to start.
This video came together in a way that felt truly aligned with what Uptown 11 values most: real people, real stories, told with care.
As part of the program, students are asked to record short video journals throughout the semester to reflect on their experience. The MIP team narrowed down a selection of hundreds of these check-ins, finding honest, moving moments that captured the heart of the program. From there, we stitched together a story that centers student voices – then layered in interviews with Pavel and Shawn, who run the program, as well as administrators who could speak to the big-picture impact.
We’re hopeful this video not only helps students see what’s possible, but also helps employers and potential partners understand how much impact they can have — by hosting an intern, or by supporting the program financially so it can grow.
We’re proud to help share this story – and hopeful that more institutions will follow Mesa’s lead.
“This is the first step – everybody starts somewhere.”
— Mesa Impact Program Student
Watch the second video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUizcwQQWgQ
Learn more about the Mesa Impactship Program: https://www.sdmesa.edu/student-support/career-center/internships.shtml
