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Discover Fauquier
August 2026
20
Celebrating its 10th year in 2026, the
PATH Foundation
Summer Internship program has employed 170 interns since
its inception. Furthering the PATH Foundation's mission to
strengthen the overall health and vitality of Fauquier,
Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties, the program allows
college students to make an impact on their local community
and glean real-world experience in their respective career
paths. Interns reside within the three counties and support
local nonprofits in various fields.
This year's cohort of 20 interns includes Carter Wadding, a
rising sophomore at the University of Virginia, and Mary
Witherow, a rising junior at Christendom College; they are
serving at Leadership Fauquier and the Fauquier Education
Foundation, respectively.
Carter and Mary explain that to ensure a great match between
interns and nonprofits, all interns take a personality
assessment to gauge their working styles and ideal
environments. This tailored approach helps navigate exactly
where each intern would thrive. For both, the experience has
far surpassed what they initially expected, and PATH's
involvement throughout the summer has provided unmatched
enrichment opportunities.
Every Monday, the cohort of interns gathers for structured and
themed professional development. They meet with former
interns, hear from local nonprofit leaders, and participate in
activities designed to guide their thoughts on work environments,
build leadership skills, and help their communities.
"I've learned so much more than I thought I would," Mary shares,
noting that despite being a Fauquier County native, she has
been introduced to a host of nonprofits in the area that were
previously unknown to her. "It's so rewarding to find out how
much of an impact the nonprofits are having in our community."
Carter agrees. "It's a very structured internship," he says.
"There have been a lot of opportunities for me to get involved
in the community, and it has given me insight into many areas
I wouldn't have had otherwise."
These internships provide students with invaluable professional
growth, but the benefits are far from a one-way street. For local
nonprofits--many of which operate on lean budgets and
incredibly tight staffing--these passionate college students
represent crucial extra hands, original ideas, and a surge of
vital energy.
"Carter has brought enthusiasm, creativity, and a fresh
perspective this summer," says Stephanie Hanson, executive
director of Leadership Fauquier. "Having a PATH intern has
been a huge asset as an organization with only one staff
member. His help documenting processes will help our
program year run smoothly."
This author couldn't concur more! "Mary has tackled everything
that I put in front of her, and she has done so with diligence,
integrity, and good cheer," says Nancy Griffin-Bonnaire,
executive director of the Fauquier Education Foundation. "She
has been instrumental in helping remove barriers so we can
move forward in several areas."
Speaking to their peers who may be considering applying for
the 2027 PATH Summer Intern cohort, Mary and Carter have
a simple piece of advice: (In the words of Nike), just do it! They
agree that interns gain hands-on experience, making a
tangible, positive impact on local organizations. It also
broadens horizons, providing interns with a completely new
perspective on community leadership. It's even a terrific social
outlet, bringing together young people who were almost all
strangers to each other at the beginning, but are now friends.
To learn more about the PATH Foundation's Summer Intern
program, visit
pathforyou.org and click on "Who We Are" and
then "Interns."
A Decade of Difference: How PATH Summer Interns are Powering Local Nonprofits
By Nancy Griffin-Bonnaire
Jeremy Wyant
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