Work in Burke Opt-In Partnership

This week, we were excited to welcome two summer interns to The Overflow through the Work in Burke OPT-IN Program.

OPT-IN—short for Opportunity Internship—is an eight-week program for recently graduated Burke County high school seniors. It connects young people with paid, hands-on work experiences while also providing mentorship and professional development. Through partnerships with local employers, mentors, schools, and workforce leaders, the program helps students explore career pathways, build workplace skills, and gain confidence as they consider their next steps after high school.

At The Overflow, our interns will experience meaningful work in the garden and around the property while also spending time in the classroom sharpening practical skills, learning about leadership, and preparing for future opportunities.

On their first day, the interns completed the DISC Personality Assessment and had a meaningful conversation about their individual strengths, communication styles, and opportunities for growth. They were also introduced to The Overflow’s mission and began their work responsibilities in the garden.

Their first week also included a special opportunity to attend a celebratory breakfast for graduates of the Catawba Valley High Performance Leader Program. During the event, our founder, Jared Harbison, received his certificate of completion alongside other program graduates. It was a meaningful experience for the interns to see local leaders being recognized for their commitment to growth, service, and leadership.

We are thankful for the leadership of the Catawba Valley Leadership Foundation, which makes this impactful program possible for nonprofit leaders in our region.

We are grateful to Work in Burke for helping create opportunities like this for local young people. We look forward to a great summer of learning, hard work, leadership, and purpose.

We are grateful to Work in Burke for helping create opportunities like this for local young people. We look forward to a great summer of learning, hard work, leadership, and purpose.