CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (The Chicago Tribune) — A graduate of LEARN Romano Butler and current pre-med student at Northern Illinois University, Ashley Stevenson was recently featured in the Chicago Tribune in a letter highlighting the transformative impact of paid internships for young people.

Through LEARN’s Summer Internship Program, Ashley gained more than professional experience. She developed relationships with mentors, strengthened her professional skills, built confidence, and gained valuable insight as she works toward her goal of becoming a physician.

Her experience reflects the broader purpose of LEARN’s Summer Internship Program: creating meaningful opportunities that help scholars and alumni connect their education to real-world careers while building the skills, relationships, and confidence they need to succeed.

Ashley’s journey was supported by LEARN leaders including Jadah Dowdy, a LEARN Romano Butler alumna, current math teacher, and Summer Internship Program Manager, and Christina Page, Director of High School Placement, Alumni Support & Student Experience. Through their work, they help connect young people with opportunities that prepare them for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.

In her Chicago Tribune letter, Ashley also makes a broader call to action, emphasizing the importance of investing in young people and creating opportunities for them to gain meaningful work experience.

That investment extends beyond schools. Businesses, hospitals, universities, nonprofits, community organizations, and other community partners all have an important role to play in creating paid opportunities that give young people access to careers, mentors, and professional networks.

Ashley’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when young people are given the opportunity—and the support—to see what is possible for their future.

Read Ashley’s letter in the Chicago Tribune. The letter is the second entry in the July 15, 2026 letters section.