Three seniors from the Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) participated in the Work-Based Learning Program, securing job offers while still attending high school. These examples showcase how ACIT prepares students for leadership, innovation, and career success. These individuals were among a cohort of more than 60 ACIT students placed across Atlantic County in internships, apprenticeships, and paid roles funded by Atlantic County Workforce Development (ACWD), giving employers a firsthand look at the region’s emerging workforce. By turning classroom knowledge into real-world results, these students are stepping into their futures ahead of the curve.
“The Work-Based Learning Program at ACIT is successful for our students and Atlantic County’s employers,” said ACIT Principal Joe Potkay. “Employers are always impressed with the professionalism, talent, and work ethic of our students, and they want to hire them. These offers send a strong message to local businesses: investing in ACIT students pays off for the entire community.”
After excelling in their summer roles, these students turned experience into opportunity:
- Rishi Patel, a Computer Science senior from Galloway, received an offer from Atlantic City Electric/Exelon.
- Myla Cunningham, an Automotive Technology senior from Galloway Township, was invited to join Chapman Ford.
- Mehd Ali, a Math, Engineering, and Science senior from Brigantine, was offered a position with Hamilton Township MUA.
“When students step into these paid work experiences, they’re doing much more than adding a line to their résumé,” said Francis Kuhn, Executive Director of Atlantic County Workforce Development. “They’re gaining confidence, building networks, and seeing how their education translates into meaningful work. At the same time, local employers are seeing the value of investing in the next generation. Together, that creates a ripple effect that benefits our students, our businesses, and the long-term vitality of Atlantic County.”
Rishi Patel interned with Atlantic City Electric/Exelon, where he gained exposure to multiple fields and departments. This experience helped him emphasize the importance of networking, pushing him out of his comfort zone and helping him build professional connections that could shape his career. Originally interested in civil engineering, Rishi said the experience broadened his focus to include computer science and data analysis, giving him a clearer picture of the opportunities that exist in today’s technology-driven industries.
Myla Cunningham spent her summer with Chapman Ford, where she learned that customer service and networking are just as vital to career success as technical skills. She said the program gave her invaluable exposure to real-world problem solving and boosted her confidence in professional settings. “I plan to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice at Stockton University while continuing my work in the automotive industry,” Myla explained. “The combination of skills I’m building will open doors for my future.”
Another standout, Mehd Ali, interned with the Hamilton Township MUA. His work included creating detailed operational diagrams for the authority’s wells, which produce up to 150 million gallons of drinking water each month. Mehd called the experience transformative, saying it gave him a new appreciation for professional collaboration and the role of engineering in community infrastructure. Daniel Loveland, Executive Director of HTMUA, praised him as “an exceptionally bright young individual with a promising future ahead,” noting that the entire staff enjoyed working with him.
“Work-Based Learning at ACIT is more than a program—it’s a workforce pipeline,” added Gina DeMaio, Cooperative Education Coordinator. “Students gain confidence, practical skills, and industry connections, while businesses gain motivated young talent with strong technical training. When employers partner with us, they go beyond filling a short-term role—they are helping shape the future of South Jersey’s workforce.”
Other Highlights:
- Keira Doody completed an EMS internship with the Galloway Township Ambulance Squad, where she rode along on real emergency calls and visited leading healthcare and public service agencies, including Cooper University Hospital and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office at One World Trade Center. She called it “the most valuable experience of my summer” and now plans to pursue EMT certification during her senior year. Lt. Stacey Rodenas shared, “Keira gained experiences that few students her age have the opportunity to encounter. She showed compassion, eagerness to learn, and was always willing to jump in to help. Her time in the program gave her practical knowledge and a new perspective on what it means to serve others, and we know she will excel in anything she chooses to do.”
- Billie Brown gained hands-on experience at Great Clips, and plans to continue working at Great Clips before pursuing a business degree to expand her opportunities in cosmetology. She said, “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how to be professional in the field of cosmetology. Watching the way stylists interact with clients has helped me so much.”
- Silvio Falcone managed Summer Sippins at Café on Main, ACIT’s student-run café, gaining first-hand experience in customer service, food prep, and business operations while serving the community.
- Matthew Naylor trained at JC Motorsports, where he strengthened his skills in vehicle repair and plans to return next year.
- Ten Health Sciences seniors partnered with Galloway EMS, riding along on ambulance calls, assisting with patient care, and shadowing EMTs.
These results are the latest chapter in ACIT’s long history of connecting students with opportunity. Beginning as shared-time programs across eight districts in 1974 and expanding into its first full-time Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management in 2000, ACIT has continually adapted to prepare students for success in an ever-changing economy. The Work-Based Learning Program reflects that same spirit of innovation, giving students a direct path from classroom to career.
Businesses interested in partnering with ACIT to host students in future programs can learn more at www.acitech.org.
