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
Coro California is a nonprofit organization built on a simple belief: strong communities are led by people who know how to think critically, collaborate across differences, and turn ideas into action. Since 1942, Coro has trained leaders across California: high school students discovering their civic voice, emerging leaders beginning their careers, experienced professionals navigating organizational and sector-level challenges, and executives carrying significant responsibility. Coro’s approach combines diverse cohorts, real-work civic engagement, and a focus on the inner work of leadership. Coro’s alumni network – prominent across government, business, nonprofits, and community institutions – reflects more than eight decades of developing leaders who strengthen their organizations, their communities, and democracy itself. To learn more about Coro California’s Exploring Leadership program or to get involved as a host organization, visit coroca.org/programs/el.
About The Crucible
Founded in 1999, The Crucible is the nation’s largest nonprofit industrial and fine arts education center, serving thousands of youth and adults each year through classes, scholarships, workforce development, and free community programming. The Crucible was recently selected as one of just 20 organizations nationwide for the prestigious Craft Catalyst Initiative, a $10 million investment from the Center for Craft and Etsy recognizing organizations that serve as anchors of America’s craft communities. Hosting a Coro Exploring Leadership fellow this summer was a natural extension of their mission as an investment in young leaders who will go on to shape the organizations and communities they’re part of.