G.R.I.T. (Get Ready! Immersive Traineeship)

ReadyCT welcomes conversations with area businesses regarding G.R.I.T. partnership and participation. Some of the state’s highest quality employers are involved!

 

Start the conversation with an inquiry to info@readyCT.org  

What is G.R.I.T.?

The Get Ready! Immersive Traineeship experience is an exciting career-connected learning opportunity for high school students, particularly for those in the early stages of career exploration.

It is certainly not busy work.

G.R.I.T. interns are assigned to high-value projects, and they work in teams to deliver a final product requisitioned by their client. Along the way, G.R.I.T. interns develop essential skills that prepare them for their future careers. And, make no mistake: the work product delivered by G.R.I.T. interns is put to use!

How does G.R.I.T. work?

  • G.R.I.T. takes real business projects from real businesses and assigns them to a team of student interns whose goal is to develop the product or service for their client. The program offers a true end-to-end business experience.
  • G.R.I.T.is a paid internship experience for student interns. The income element helps demonstrate the value of work product.

Examples of past G.R.I.T. projects:

  • Design a patient- and visitor-friendly emergency room map, with signage recommendations
  • Research the history and ethics of AI
  • Design and manufacture a device to curb the spread of COVID-19
  • Streamline the health insurance benefits explanation sent to insureds
  • Develop a middle school drone curriculum, including video content
  • Research competitors’ products

Reviews of G.R.I.T. interns are overwhelmingly positive. 

From Alex Martinez, Data Analyst, Technology Leadership Development Program Participant, Travelers Insurance:

Alex Martinez addresses attendees at the 2023 ReadyCT Business & Community Partner Breakfast

 

“I was consistently impressed with the students’ eagerness to learn about cutting-edge technologies, as well as their professionalism. The interns working on the Travelers project showed high levels of engagement in understanding how companies like Travelers use AI and voice technology, and they developed a proof-of-concept for Travelers employees to use. At Travelers, we can’t wait to work with more students to see what new ideas they have for us!”

 

Partnership Acknowledgement

We remain grateful to Hartford Public Schools for their partnership with this effort. We also thank the Travelers Foundation, the charitable arm of Travelers, for providing the resources necessary to make this opportunity possible.