From Student to Mentor: A Full Circle Partnership with the Colin Powell School
At Davila Applied Anthropological Research, we believe in building more than just a business — we’re building pathways, partnerships, and purpose. That’s why we’re proud to announce a new collaboration that hits close to home: our partnership with the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at The City College of New York.
This is more than an internship announcement. It’s a story of coming full circle — from a student shaped by the same school, to a founder now creating opportunity for the next generation.
The Roots of the Partnership: A Personal Connection
This partnership is especially meaningful because it connects directly to our origin story. Our founder is a proud graduate of the Colin Powell School, where he earned his degree in Anthropology. Like many students at City College, he balanced academics, work, and community life — an experience that shaped both his values and his vision for the future.
The Colin Powell School has long been a beacon of leadership and access, especially for first-generation college students, students of color, and working adults from New York City’s five boroughs. Its mission — to prepare engaged citizens and ethical leaders — aligns seamlessly with our own work in creating equitable opportunities for professional growth.
From that foundation, [Your Business Name] was built to be more than a service provider. We are a certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) that exists to support, train, and uplift adult urban college students — especially those who are often overlooked by traditional hiring pipelines.
About the Career Fellows Program
Our new partnership is part of the Career Fellows Program, a forward-thinking initiative from the Colin Powell School that connects students with paid, purpose-driven internships. Too often, internships — especially in mission-based or creative sectors — are unpaid or inaccessible to students who can’t afford to work for free.
The Career Fellows Program is changing that.
As a participating host site, Davila Applied Anthropological Research will provide interns with:
- 🕒 Up to 300 hours of professional work experience
- 💵 Compensation at $18/hour, fully funded through the program
- 🤝 Mentorship and development from professionals aligned with students’ academic goals
- 📈 Exposure to real projects that build confidence and skills
This partnership allows us to invest directly in underrepresented talent, ensuring that college students get more than a resume bullet — they gain tools, networks, and a sense of belonging in professional spaces.
Welcoming Our First Career Fellow: Marcus Khan
We’re thrilled to welcome our first intern through this partnership: Marcus Khan, a standout student double-majoring in Sociology and Anthropology at the Colin Powell School.
Marcus joins [Your Business Name] as a Research Assistant, supporting data collection, insight synthesis, and strategy development for upcoming client work and internal projects. His background in social science brings a fresh perspective that aligns with our research-driven, equity-focused approach.
“I’m excited to gain real experience in a space where I can apply what I’ve learned in class, and contribute to something bigger,” Marcus shared. “It’s meaningful to be part of a business that values both impact and opportunity.”
His curiosity, commitment, and community-minded outlook are exactly what we hoped to find when we joined the Career Fellows network.
A Message from Our Founder
“When I was a student at the Colin Powell School, I had big ideas — but not always the access or experience to turn them into action,” said our founder. “This partnership is about changing that. We’re here to create a space where students like Marcus don’t just get their foot in the door — they build the confidence to walk through it with purpose.”
For our founder, this partnership represents a full-circle moment — from student to entrepreneur, and now, mentor. It’s a powerful reminder that real change often starts by returning to where you came from and lifting others as you rise.
Why This Matters: Investing in Talent, Not Just Tasks
In today’s competitive landscape, businesses have a responsibility to not just consume talent — but to grow it. Too many capable, motivated students are blocked from opportunity by barriers of income, exposure, or network access.
Our goal is to bridge that gap.
By hiring interns like Marcus, we’re not only investing in their future — we’re enriching our own work with new voices and lived experiences that matter. Internships like these don’t just benefit the student; they challenge companies to evolve, listen, and build with community at the center.
This isn’t charity — it’s a strategy for meaningful growth.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Impact
Our first intern is just the beginning. In the months ahead, [Your Business Name] will continue to welcome students from the Colin Powell School through the Career Fellows Program. We’re also exploring ways to expand mentorship offerings, offer skill-building workshops, and help students understand the full spectrum of careers they can pursue with their degrees.
We invite other small businesses, startups, and agencies — especially MBEs and community-based firms — to consider hosting interns through this incredible program. It’s a chance to do more than fill a role. It’s a chance to shape a life, grow your business, and strengthen your community.
Final Thoughts: Purpose in Practice
This partnership is more than symbolic. It’s a tangible reminder that business can be a force for equity — when we commit to hiring with intention, mentoring with empathy, and remembering where we came from.
To the faculty, staff, and visionaries at the Colin Powell School — thank you for your commitment to your students and for inviting us into this important work.
To Marcus — we’re lucky to have you. Your journey is just beginning, and we’re proud to be part of it.
And to all the students out there dreaming big: know that there are people building spaces just for you.
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