The Buzz
June 24, 2026
Matriots Newsletter: Intern Buzz
The Matriots are proud to welcome a dynamic and excited group of student interns during the summer of 2026, led by Kaylee Mahood, Development and Engagement Coordinator.
đź“° Introducing the first Matriots newsletter of the summer! Scroll through to explore the stories, updates, and insights compiled by Eva Merrit, Matriots Summer Intern.
Hello Matriots Hive,
Over the past two weeks, the Matriots summer cohort of interns kicked off their internship. This summer, both college and high school students have the opportunity to learn more about civics, politics, advocacy, public service, campaigns, and the nuts and bolts of nonprofits. Intern’s schedules for the first two weeks were jam-packed, visiting the Statehouse on June 3rd, beginning candidate research and special projects, and engaging in a mix of hybrid and in-person work.
In the first week, interns began candidate research. They researched the race landscape, the candidate’s alignment with Matriots’ values, and notable achievements. They also wrote short synopses, developing skills such as project management, data literacy, and time management. Interns are continuously supporting the Matriots’ mission by providing thorough research of candidates, aiding the endorsement process.Â
Matriots Intern Claire Witalec, has found much joy in her first two weeks as a Matriots Intern, saying, “so far in the internship program, we’ve been able to do a deep dive into the work of the Matriots. We’ve also been able to start researching candidates, which has been a highlight for me as it has taught me how to explore the values and experiences of different politicians. I have loved being able to do direct work in the field! In the coming weeks, I’m excited to sit in on candidate interviews to further my understanding of both the various roles in government and the processes of nonprofits.” Pictured to the left is Claire and Kaylee Mahood at Engage Cleveland’s Panel in the Planetarium for young professionals.
An exciting event of the interns’ journey was Statehouse Day (pictured below) on June 3rd. The day started off at lunch at the Grandview Cafe, where Hive Ambassadors and interns got a chance to get to know each other better. Shortly after, they ventured out to the Statehouse, receiving a brief tour as well sitting in the gallery to observe a House Session. Interns experienced the legislative process up close, observing how legislation is discussed and learning more about the important role State Representatives play in serving their communities. To top it off, they had the opportunity to connect with a few previously endorsed State Representatives before departure.
We hope you all enjoyed hearing about the interns’ first two weeks at the Matriots, and the plethora of highlights and fun experiences we’ve already had. Stay tuned for what’s next! -Eva Merrit, Matriots Summer Intern.
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Matriots Newsletter: Intern Buzz
