Ilitch Companies’ 2024 Cass Tech Interns Gain Experience, Professional Skills

Professional internships can shape a student’s future career by providing work experience beyond what can be taught in a classroom, but they are not often available to high school students. Since 2015, Ilitch Companies have partnered with Detroit Public School’s Cass Technical High School on a paid internship program for juniors and seniors, with about 150 students participating to date.

The internship program provides Cass Tech students with experience at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesars and Ilitch Companies. The students work on business projects throughout the summer in areas including event management, marketing, public relations, information technology, finance and human resources.

This summer, 18 students participated in the eight-week internship program, which includes enrichment opportunities such as meetings with company executives, professional workshops, networking opportunities, outings and tours.

“They know that we’re still high school students. They want us to get experience, and they also want us to have the tools we need for when we actually get into a career,” said Kaitlin Cobb, a Cass Tech senior who is interning in Fox Theatre Operations. “So they’re helping with stuff to get us there, like speaking to people who are in leadership positions so we can learn about their experience and feel inspired by them. Or help with our resumes and LinkedIn, so that we can have a professional one that we can use when we leave. They are preparing us to not just do well this summer, but also after college and post-high school.”

The students played an important part in the continued growth of our community, as they worked and learned alongside Ilitch organization professionals who are committed to Detroit, its neighborhoods and its people.

“At the heart of the Ilitch Companies, we want to make as much of a difference in our community as we can,” said Nicole Nimeth, Human Resources Business Partner for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “I think this program can be a real gateway for the students to get professional experience and be successful. They can take that experience with them into whatever they choose to do.”

The interns were recently recognized before a Detroit Tigers game during an on-field ceremony at Comerica Park, where they also attended batting practice and toured the ballpark.

The Ilitch organization has a long-standing partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District, including the annual Evening of Fine Arts, and the internship program. Learn more about the Cass Tech High School internship program and this year’s talented participants in this video:

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