Maui Economic Opportunity interns gather during an orientation Wednesday in the administration conference room. Shown are (front row, from left) Jasmyn Yun, Jeremiah Jacinto, Taesia Keomoungkhoune, Kamei Freitas and Andrea Garcia, and (standing second from right) Lina Henson. MEO staff members shown are, (standing from left) Chief Operating Officer Christy Chun, Chief Financial Officer Jared Appleby, Executive Director Maggie Batangan, CEO Debbie Cabebe, Transportation Shop mechanic Chad Lee, Chief Programs Officer Gay Sibonga, Executive Administrator Aubrey Anana and Human Resources Director Melissa Magonigle. MEO photo

Maui Economic Opportunity is giving six high school and college summer interns a chance to gain real-world job experience and explore work that serves the community.

An orientation hosted by MEO executive staff, including Executive Director Maggie Batangan and CEO Debbie Cabebe, was held Wednesday.

The students learned about the history of the 61-year-old community action agency, were introduced to MEO’s mission and took part in an exercise assessing community needs for Maui youth.

Vaping, technology and artificial intelligence, the cost of living and housing were among the needs cited by the interns.

Maui Economic Opportunity Executive Director Maggie Batangan leads summer interns through an exercise on assessing community needs for youth. MEO conducts a community needs assessment every three years and uses the findings to help develop programs. MEO photo

The interns and their assignments are:

• Lina Henson, Youth Services, Maui High School class of 2025, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, business;

• Andrea Garcia, Human Resources, Maui High School class of 2024, University of Hawaii Maui College, business administration;

• Taesia Keomoungkhoune, Fiscal Department, Baldwin High School class of 2020, University of Hawaii Maui College, accounting;

• Kamei Freitas, Transportation Bus Maintenance Shop, King Kekaulike High School senior;

• Jeremiah Jacinto, Administration/Operations, Baldwin High School class of 2026, Harvard University, aerospace engineering and government;

• Jasmyn Yun, Administration/Operations, Maui High School class of 2026, Gonzaga University, biomedical engineering.

MEO administrative leadership selected the interns based on recommendations from the Maui Economic Development Board and University of Hawaii Maui College, as well as submissions to MEO. Each intern is receiving a stipend through MEO, MEDB or University of Hawaii Maui College, and most will be with MEO through the end of July.

“I was initially drawn to intern at MEO because I was inspired by the impact the organization has on the Maui community,” Jacinto said. “Having personally benefited from several of its programs, I saw firsthand how meaningful its services are to local residents.

“I wanted to better understand how MEO creates positive change and helps improve the lives of individuals and families throughout Maui.”

Maui Economic Opportunity held an orientation Wednesday for six high school and college students working with the nonprofit agency this summer. MEO photo

MEO has hosted interns over the years, but this summer’s program represents a concerted effort by the nonprofit agency to introduce Maui youth to MEO’s mission of helping people in need and offer opportunities to gain workplace skills through hands-on experience, said MEO Human Resources Director Melissa Magonigle.

“This is an opportunity for MEO to help nurture the next generation of Maui County leaders,” Batangan said. “Maybe some of these interns will be inspired by the work of MEO, return to Maui and contribute to the betterment of our community.”