QuickBridge, a privately-held financial services firm offering working capital to small businesses, recently partnered with OC United and the California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) Guardian Scholars program to offer five CSUF students a three-day intensive internship program, a $1,000 scholarship, and an ongoing mentorship opportunity.
The five undergraduates from the Guardian Scholars program gained real-world experience through job-shadowing employees, attending meetings, taking skills tests, and enhancing their resumes. They also enjoyed offsite networking opportunities with QuickBridge team members and managers.
Selection criteria for the five intern positions included being a Guardian Scholar in good standing and submitting an essay to QuickBridge on why they wanted to participate in an internship with the financial services firm.
The internship program was developed as part of the ongoing relationship between QuickBridge and OC United—a nonprofit organization that pairs local businesses, non-profits, and everyday citizens with their neighbors in need. OC United has long supported the CSUF Guardian Scholars program, which is committed to supporting ambitious college students who are exiting the foster care system. The program contributes to the quality and depth of the student’s university experience.
“QuickBridge has been an excellent partner in our efforts to unleash compassion and empower the most vulnerable members of the Orange County community,” said Amy Gaw, director of the Foster Care Initiative at OC United. “We are thrilled about the opportunity our former foster youth have with this new QuickBridge internship and mentorship program. It will help these students to continue honing the educational, business, and interpersonal skills necessary to become self-supporting community leaders and competent professionals in their selected fields.”
QuickBridge President Ben Gold said the entire QuickBridge team was inspired by the students’ engagement and professionalism. They are looking forward to growing the program in semesters to come and developing ongoing relationships with the students who participate in the program.
“We are deeply appreciative of everyone at OC United and the CSUF Guardian Scholars program for their collaboration on this effort, and for allowing us to meet these bright young individuals,” said QuickBridge President Ben Gold. “The students exceeded all our expectations and were truly the perfect class to pilot this program. We are grateful for their time and participation, and we look forward to staying in close touch through our employee-student mentorship program.”