Triton College Students Selected to Support Grand Chamber by O’Hare’s Reinvigorate Project

RIVER GROVE, IL—A partnership between Triton College and the Grand Chamber by O’Hare is helping students gain valuable workforce experience while supporting local businesses and advancing regional economic development. Through a State of Illinois Reinvigorate Project grant awarded to the Grand Chamber by O’Hare, two Triton College students recently completed paid internships with the Chamber.

During the 10-week program, each student earned $7,500 while contributing to Chamber outreach initiatives and community-focused projects that support businesses and residents throughout the Chamber’s member communities.

“We were thrilled to see our students participate in this new internship opportunity with the Grand Chamber by O’Hare,” said Lorena Gasca, director of Career Services at Triton College. “Our team encouraged students to apply and provided career-readiness support throughout the process. It was rewarding to see them step into roles where they could apply what they learned in meaningful ways.”

Gasca added that the partnership strengthened Triton’s connection to the local business community while giving students valuable real-world experience that will help shape their future career paths.

“The Grand Chamber by O’Hare was proud to partner with Triton College to create meaningful opportunities for local students to gain professional experience while contributing to our communities,” said Peter Volpe, president of the Grand Chamber by O’Hare. “(Students) Ernesto and Sarah brought fresh ideas, valuable skills and tremendous enthusiasm to the Reinvigorate Project. Their work supported our local businesses and community initiatives, and we hope this partnership will create even more opportunities for students to build their careers close to home.”

During their internships, the students gained practical experience in business outreach and relationship building, marketing and promotions, event support and Chamber-community collaboration.

“An internship with the Grand Chamber was one of the best ways I could have spent my summer,” said Ernesto Rios, a second-year student pursuing an associate degree in accounting and business administration. He plans to continue his education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Rios is a Triton College Dean’s List student and an active member of the college’s Accounting and Business Society and Stock Market Society.

“I met and worked alongside mayors and local business owners,” said Rios. “One of the most memorable parts of the internship was meeting with Green Officer Partners, where I was able to showcase the skills I've developed in a professional setting.”

“Being an intern for the Grand Chamber was a special opportunity for me,” said Sarah Duhr, who recently earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Visual Communications and Graphic Arts from Triton. During her internship, she applied her educational and creative background to support the Chamber’s marketing, promotional design and community outreach efforts.

“Using the knowledge I gained at Triton and applying it to the real world gave me the experience I need” for future job opportunities, said Duhr. “I also got to network and collaborate with different businesses, which I had never done before but was glad to be a part of,” she said, adding that working on projects beyond what she had learned in the classroom exposed her to new challenges and helped her discover new strengths. “I hope there will be more internships like this one to help students get real-world experience (and) prepare for the job they eventually want to pursue.” 

The State of Illinois’ Reinvigorate Project grant enabled the Grand Chamber by O’Hare to expand its operations beyond its previous scope. Grant funding supported a comprehensive marketing campaign to attract new businesses, beautify and promote local business districts, provide grants to existing businesses for site improvements and support Chamber membership growth.

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ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.