The Center for Discovery’s IMPACT Program provides high school students an opportunity to immerse themselves in real-world experiences while forming a deep connection with the organization’s values according to the center. 

Designed for the children of Center for Discovery employees, the program offers teens hands-on mentorship in a variety of fields, emphasizing collaboration and career exploration.

Jim Cashen, Assistant Chief of Integrated Arts at the Center for Discovery, described the IMPACT Program as “a chance for the kids to explore various career paths and gain practical experience.” 

IMPACT, which stands for Immersive Mentorship Program and Collaboration for Teens, has been a staple at the Center for over 15 years, though it has evolved to better serve today’s youth. This summer’s iteration, which featured 16 students, was its first year under the new “IMPACT” name.

The program is divided into two tiers: 14-15-year-olds get an introduction to the Center, rotating through various departments, while older students, aged 16-17, receive a more focused experience based on their specific interests.

“We really try to pair the older students with mentors in departments where they can explore potential career paths,” explained Conio Loretto, Senior Director of the Music Therapy Program.

One student, Erin, found her calling through this mentorship. Originally interested in the medical field, her experience working at the Discovery Health Clinic helped her realize that while she enjoyed patient care, she preferred a more technical, less hands-on role.

“By week four, she had a conversation with a nurse practitioner and realized that while she didn’t want to go to medical school, she was very interested in becoming a radiology technician,” Cashen said, adding that this type of career clarity is exactly what the IMPACT program aims to provide.

Loretto recounted how a student interned in the finance department through a partnership with Monticello High School’s Academy of Finance. “By the end of the summer, the finance team was so impressed that they asked her to return next summer.”

In addition to mentorship, the younger students in the program are engaged in character-building activities. This past summer, they worked on the Center’s farm, participated in stress management activities like sound healing and yoga, and engaged in recreational activities like pickleball. 

“The younger kids participated in activities designed to develop their sense of teamwork and community,” explained Loretto. “They got to spend time outdoors on the farm, harvesting crops, working with the animals, and engaging in projects that reflect the sustainability efforts here at the Center.” These tasks are intended to give the students hands-on experience with the Center’s holistic approach to care.

Other activities were geared toward creativity and emotional well-being. The younger students had the chance to collaborate with the Center’s Music Therapy Department on a sound effects project. 

“The students were able to experiment with sound and learn how it can be used to help manage stress, something that is a core part of our therapy for both children and staff here,” said Loretto. Additionally, they took part in yoga classes and sound healing sessions, designed to teach them ways to manage stress and promote mental health.

For those interested in the culinary arts, the program offered a chance to work in the bakery. “Some of the older students who expressed an interest in food or hospitality got to experience the early morning hours and teamwork it takes to run a bakery,” said Cashen. 

Students participated in activities like pickleball, designed to be accessible to the Center’s residents, and learned the value of recreational therapy as part of holistic health. “Blending recreation into their day was important. 

The goal of these activities is not only to introduce students to the Center’s wide range of departments but also to instill a sense of responsibility and teamwork. 

Cashen says that they emphasize collaboration and it’s important for these students to understand the value of teamwork, as well as the responsibility that comes with working in a professional environment. It’s an eye-opening experience for many of them—understanding what a workday looks like and how to contribute to a team.

Students also receive ongoing support throughout the program. Each is paired with a mentor who provides guidance and feedback, and program leaders, like Cashen and Loretto, conduct regular check-ins to ensure the students are thriving. 

“We wanted to make sure the kids felt supported throughout their internships, so we scheduled three or four meetings with them during the summer,” said Loretto.

IMPACT is also supported by the Sullivan County Youth Bureau, which has partnered with the Center for years. This year, representatives from the Bureau visited the Center to see the program in action. “They observed the kids kayaking, working in the bakery, and participating in other activities. They’ve been incredibly generous with their support,” said Cashen.

Looking forward, the Center plans to continue building on the success of this year’s program. “We’ve found a model that works, and the students have really responded well to it,” Loretto said. “Our hope is to expand the program and offer even more opportunities to teens in the future.”

IMPACT is not only helping students figure out their career paths but also strengthening the connection between the Center for Discovery’s employees and their families. “The kids gain a deeper appreciation for what their parents do here,” said Loretto. “It’s really special to see the bond grow between them as they experience the Center together.”