Waltham Partnership for Youth (WPY) & Hiatt Career Center
Brandeis University
WPY and the Hiatt Career Center at Brandeis University established an early exposure program as part of the WPY Summer Internship Program connecting Waltham High School students to local employers. By opening university-wide industry career fairs and networking events to Waltham High School students, this program connects talented students often underrepresented in key industries with local and national employers. WPY students frequently represent diverse communities such as students of color, first-generation college students, and students from low-income families.
Each program features pre-event workshops and discussions with employers, alumni, and Hiatt career center staff, followed by networking with employers and industry representatives. WPY students meet employers in biotech, business, consulting, education, finance, healthcare, government, marketing/advertising, policy, public service, social service, and technology. Students in the program benefit from robust support including weekly career talks, orientation, and formal evaluation.
This effort leverages connections, programs, and resources that have expanded partnerships at Brandeis and with the local Waltham community. Employers have an opportunity to support students’ professional and career goals, give back to the local community, invest in the future workforce, and build their brand awareness.
