(SCC) — The Career Pathways Internship Program, made possible through the collaboration of the CNMI Public School System and Saipan Chamber of Commerce, is providing high school students with hands-on experiences that bridge classroom learning with real-world career opportunities.
Since its launch in April 2025, the program has expanded to two cohorts, welcoming students from Tinian, Rota, and all public high schools on Saipan. These student interns are placed at worksites that align with their career interests, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings while building skills for their future.
This month marks important milestones: Cohort 2 interns reached their two-month mark on Aug. 16, while Cohort 1 interns will reach their four-month mark on August 21. As the school year begins, Cohort 2 students will experience balancing school and work for the first time, while Cohort 1 students continue into their second school year with ongoing internship placements.
During recent site visits, interns shared reflections on their journeys. PHI Pharmacy intern Destynee Aguon described her experience in one word: motivational. She explained, “I say motivational because there was never a day where I walked in and wasn’t motivated by my environment.” For Destynee, the internship has provided more than training, it has offered an inspiring workplace where she is excited to learn and grow.
We also heard from one of our valued Industry Partners, Matthea Guillermo, assistant human resource business partner at IT&E CNMI. From a site-supervisor perspective, she shared: “Working with our interns has been an incredibly rewarding experience. They have brought fresh and unique perspectives, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to learning; qualities that have significantly enriched our teams.”
To date, IT&E has welcomed nine interns from Cohorts 1 and 2, varying from three months to the full 11 months, placing them in different departments based on their career interests. Guillermo added: “Throughout their time with us, CPIP Cohort 1 and 2 interns have made meaningful contributions to key projects and offered thoughtful insights that have had a lasting impact.”
With motivated students, supportive industry partners, and a shared vision of “building local workforce capacity, one student at a time,” the Career Pathways Internship Program has continued to thrive. As interns move forward in their 3-, 6-, 9-, and 11-month commitments, we look forward to their determination to learn and grow, as well as the continued patience and mentorship of our industry partners.
Lastly, we extend our deepest appreciation to all Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 industry partners for their collaboration and dedication to supporting the next generation of professionals:
500 Sails, American Memorial Park, AP Group LLC., Atkins Kroll Saipan, Bank of Saipan, CNMI Department of Commerce, CNMI Department of Labor, CNMI Department of Finance, CNMI Scholarship Office, CNMI Public School System, Coca-Cola Beverage Co (Micronesia) Inc., Commonwealth Communication, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Icekiss Inc. dba Foremost Foods Saipan, Insurance & Business Management Corporation, IT&E, Marianas Pacific Distributors, Inc., Northern Marianas Technical Institute, Niao’s Poke Deli, LLC., Pacifica Insurance, Paradise Dental, Paradise Lyric House LLC, PHI Pharmacy, Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Saipan Humane Society, Transpacific Int’l Inc., and Tupu Cane Juice.
About the SCC
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve its members as a resource, enhancing the quality of business and life on Saipan. Its vision is to create an island where businesses, families, and communities succeed as one. To learn more about the Chamber, visit www.saipanchamber.com/, call (670) 234-7150 or email contactus@saipanchamber.org/.
