BARBERTON, Ohio — For the first time in its 30-year history, the Barberton Community Foundation has established a formal college summer internship program, officially welcoming Ava Hart as its Summer Communications Intern.
Hart, a proud 2024 Barberton High School alum, is a Barberton Community Foundation Scholarship recipient. She is entering her third year at The Ohio State University with a major in marketing and a minor in public policy.
Over the summer, she will be working closely with Director of Communications, Kim Graves, on communications projects supporting the Foundation’s social media, communications, and marketing initiatives. Along with that, Hart will work with others in the office on various projects.
“I am so excited to be back in my hometown working with the Foundation this summer,” said Hart. “As a scholarship recipient, it is really special for me to give back to the community that supported my education. I am looking forward to learning how the Foundation operates behind the scenes and how to use strategic communication to make a real impact.”
The new internship initiative reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to investing in local students and creating opportunities that connect education, professional experience, and community impact.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ava to the Foundation this summer,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “This formalized college internship reflects our commitment to providing local students with hands-on, meaningful career experience. Having a Foundation scholar return home to help shape our communications and events makes this milestone especially rewarding.”
Barberton Community Foundation looks forward to learning from the unique perspective Hart brings as both a local student and Foundation scholar. The organization aims for this introductory position to create a Foundation blueprint for future student engagement opportunities.
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About Barberton Community Foundation
Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs. To read more about Barberton Community Foundation, visitwww.barbertoncf.orgor follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.
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