Nine undergraduate students recently reflected on their summer internships made by possible by a unique Widener donor-funded initiative. They spoke at a celebratory event about the work they did, what they learned and how it contributed to preparing them for careers after they graduate.

“These experiences are really critical for their career exploration and for allowing our students to engage with nonprofit agencies, governmental agencies and more, to develop the skills that they need to serve the greater good after they graduate,” College of Arts and Sciences Dean Lisa Grimm said. 

Their summer employment was made possible through Experience MORE!, which provides financial assistance so students may seize opportunities working in meaningful unpaid or underpaid internships. They are able to take advantage of invaluable career development support in the summer – a time of year when students often need to work to save for expenses. They get the internship experiences and are paid or supplemented by Experience MORE!, which is fully supported by generous university donors.

The program is proudly facilitated by the College of Arts and Sciences in collaboration with the Office of Career Design and Development.

The nine 2026 Experience MORE! students and their summer workplaces included:

•    Saige M. Anderson ’27, biology major, city of Chester Health Department
•    Clarissa Campbell ’29, communications studies and marketing major, Food Research and Action Center
•    Damani M. Knox ’28, chemistry major, Philadelphia Housing Authority
•    Samantha P. Ocran ’29, biology major, Office of Dr. Rich Clark DMD
•    Samara K. Ocran ’29, political science major, Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
•    Rita Ossai ’27, biology major, Stephanie Wynn Foundation
•    Kalpan Patel ’27, computer science major, Cencora
•    Georgia A. Seherlis ’28, anthropology and psychology major, American University of Thessaloniki, Greece
•    Dakota A. Whitman ’28, biology major, Food Research and Action Center 

The students made presentations to an audience of Widener faculty, staff and students. Family members and representatives of some of the employers also attended.

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