As we reflect on the 169th summer of the Southwestern Advantage Internship Program, Summer 2024 was filled with growth, leadership, and notable achievements. The dedicated interns, who worked hard to run their own businesses selling educational materials, were key to the program’s continued success.
LEAD Sales Break Records
This summer, we experienced a 17% surge in LEAD sales, with over 2,280 sold. This increase is attributed to the entire sales force embracing the newly released LEAD app, which has streamlined the sales process and enhanced customer engagement. Notably, 27 students stood out as top performers, including Mariliis Kalinina, Jordan Pierre, Alex Drakulich, Jan Dzemesjuk, and Shay Pridgen. Their leadership and commitment have been instrumental in driving these sales figures.
Southwestern Advantage Interns and Their Impact
This year, our interns made a substantial impact. More than 1,035 students participated in the program from 19 countries, serving 113,692 families and reaching 8,992 communities across the U.S. and Canada. The college students delivered educational materials that empower families and make a positive impact in their homes.
Summer Program Student Leader Shares Her Experience
One of the program’s student leaders, Laura Hildreth, a Criminology major from the University of Illinois – Chicago, shared how impactful the summer was for her: “This summer taught me the power of patience and perseverance. I learned to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges. I’m incredibly proud of my team, my efforts, and the unforgettable memories we created.”
Host Families Support Interns Nationwide
A key part of the students’ success came from the incredible support of over 600 host families who opened their homes to our interns. These families provided crucial support, creating a welcoming environment for interns to focus on their work and personal growth throughout the summer.
News Stories Showcase the Program’s Impact
This year, 21 news stories highlighted the Southwestern Advantage program, showcasing the program’s wide reach and recognition in communities across the country.
Sold Out By Popular Demand
Additionally, our National Geographic Biblical World Atlas sold out due to high demand, a testament to the hard work of our interns and the exceptional quality of the product. This achievement reflects the importance of the materials we offer and the commitment of our sales force in reaching families nationwide.
Look Towards to the Future
Parents, college students, and current interns can take pride in these accomplishments. The Southwestern Advantage program continues to offer real-world entrepreneurial experience, fostering leadership, resilience, and personal development. As we celebrate this summer’s success, we look forward to the opportunities that Summer 2025 will bring for new students to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.
