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This summer, through a partnership with Coro California’s Exploring Leadership program, The Crucible welcomed Collin, a rising junior at Groton School, for a summer internship supporting our social media work. The experience gave Collin an opportunity to build his leadership skills while gaining hands-on experience at a Bay Area arts and education institution.

Outside the classroom, Collin enjoys organizing school events, throwing javelin, and playing classical music. He’s involved in his school’s Speaker’s Committee, Sustainability Committee, Track and Field team, and Rocket Club, and volunteers with the Special Olympics. Through Coro, he hoped to learn how to build meaningful relationships across diverse groups and become a more intentional, community-oriented leader.

At The Crucible, Collin joined our efforts to strengthen and revive our social media presence. He researched social media best practices and looked at how similar organizations engage their audiences, helping our team identify ways to sharpen our own approach. He also gained hands-on experience creating and preparing social posts, exploring both the strategic and creative sides of nonprofit marketing.

For Collin, the internship was more than a summer project. It offered real-world exposure to a mission-driven cultural institution and a chance to grow his skills, confidence, and professional network. He left with practical experience in social media strategy and content, as well as a better understanding of how an organization builds its public voice.

The Crucible and Coro California are proud of what this partnership made possible. Investing in young leaders like Collin is an investment in the future of the Bay Area — its nonprofits, arts institutions, and civic life.

“Years ago, Collin created a skateboard at The Crucible. Today, we’re grateful for his insights and proud to be part of his leadership journey. Thank you, Collin and Coro California for keeping our communities moving forward together!” —Julio Cabanillas, Social Media and Omnichannel Lead, The Crucible

“With Exploring Leadership, we put a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Youth Fellows get the chance to build their skills and immediately put them into practice through these placement experiences. It’s because of partners like The Crucible that youth can step into the professional world and be challenged to grow in ways they may not have considered before.” —Omar Leal, Director, Programs and Training, Coro California

About Coro California’s “Exploring Leadership” Program

Among Coro California’s offerings, Exploring Leadership is a transformative summer youth leadership program for Bay Area high schoolers. Exploring Leadership trains high school students to become active citizens and assume leadership roles in their communities. Meet this year’s cohort. Through a set of Coro’s signature training modules, the program provides hands-on training in critical thinking, goal setting, and leading groups. A central part of that training is a professional internship placement, giving fellows the chance to apply what they’re learning inside a real organization.

About Coro California