Concordia showcase celebrates SHIFT internship program’s community impact
Community leaders and students recently united at Concordia’s SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation to reflect on the powerful outcomes of the centre’s internship program. The initiative has funded over 310 paid internships, invested $1 million in student awards, and partnered with more than 40 community organizations across Montreal.
This end-of-term showcase demonstrated the transformative power of community-based experiential learning for students and organizations alike.
“Research has shown that when experiential learning is practiced in community settings, it builds better mental health and confidence among students,” noted Elisabeth Cramer, a program coordinator at SHIFT. “At the same time, organizations benefit from the interns’ energy and labour, while helping to cultivate the next generation of community organizers and workers.”
The SHIFT internship showcase highlighted this program that has funded over 310 student internships at grassroots community organizations across Montreal.
‘Part of our family’
During the event’s panel discussion, participants shared how interns become indispensable parts of their teams. “At Community Healing Days, it’s about inclusivity and reciprocity,” explained Millie Tresierra, who hosted SHIFT intern Hamda Elmi through the Community Healing Days project. “Our interns become part of our family.”
Hamidou Maïga of Hamidou Horticulture, an urban agriculture co-operative, has been welcoming interns over the past few years. Interns work in the project’s greenhouse and gardens, growing and selling rare vegetables native to the global South.
He says he has seen firsthand how meaningful it is for students to do hands-on work in community-based food systems : "At Hamidou Horticulture, the interns put their knowledge to the test, becoming both farmers and market sellers. The knowledge they gain is applied to helping real people."
SHIFT intern Hamda Elmi’s (left) empathy and dedication have earned the trust of clients and made her a cherished member of the organization.
Hands-on experience that clarifies educational pathways
Students echoed these stories of the positive impact of their internships. Tayma Hammoud, an undergraduate psychology student, shared some of her experience interning with the Amal Centre for Women: “I was nervous—I didn’t have any work experience,” she says. But helping launch a motherhood support project, securing funding, and meeting her first client gave her clarity and confidence.
“I was able to zero in on the fact that I wanted to work in family therapy. It was then that I knew psychology was right for me. I saw the real-world impact of my work and knew I had found my place.”
Ateş Balsoy, a student in Urban Planning and Human Environment, interned at Welcome Haven, a Montreal-based organization that supports asylum-seeking families. Before working as an outreach and research intern, he had considered switching programs, unsure if his studies aligned with his passion for social transformation.
“My experience at Welcome Haven showed me I can do this work within my discipline.” He facilitated workshops, connected with families, participated in a community mapping project and wrote a report praised for its depth — one that could be published, according to his professor.
More than anything, he says he felt seen. “In previous roles, I put in hours but didn’t feel recognized. At Welcome Haven, I was part of something bigger.”
Meaningful work opportunities
With SHIFT’s financial support, community organizations can provide significant hands-on learning opportunities while amplifying their impact in their communities.
"SHIFT has created meaningful opportunities where students and organizations can think and create together,” Tresierra adds. “Honestly, it is quite unique. I think we are all privileged to have been touched by SHIFT.”
Learn more about Concordia’s SHIFT Internship program.
