Eight Valparaiso University students participated in the 2026 CAPS (Calling and Purpose in Society) Fellows program this summer, undertaking purpose-driven internships with nonprofit organizations in Northwest Indiana, Chicago, and other locations. Now in its 13th year, the CAPS Fellows program, led by the University’s Institute for Leadership and Service, aims to provide students with opportunities for service and reflection as they explore their career directions after graduation.
The program's core design connects students with meaningful work while supported by mentors and peer groups. Kat Peters, associate director with the Institute for Leadership and Service, stated that the program allows fellows to experience what working on a social challenge entails and how nonprofit organizations operate to create positive change. She noted it also provides an opportunity to develop teamwork skills alongside individual talents and interests. In addition to their summer internships, CAPS Fellows are required to complete individual and group reflections and to document their experiences on the CAPS Fellows Blog. This framework supports both personal growth and professional development for the participants.
Tyrell Frieson, a 2028 social work major and Christ College Scholar, completed his CAPS Fellow internship with the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. He emphasized the value of reflection, noting it is "deeply incorporated into the CAPS assignments." Frieson explained that this reflective process encouraged him to think intentionally about his learning and growth, and how his internship connected to his future goals, particularly in pursuing higher education.
Grace Vaughn, a 2027 health science major, interned at Camp Lakeside, an all-abilities summer camp for children located nearby. Vaughn reported that the experience helped her cultivate patience, enhance communication skills, and adapt to the diverse needs of others. She recommended the CAPS program to other students, suggesting it challenges individuals to consider their identity and their impact on others. Vaughn highlighted the increasing importance of consciously reflecting on one's attitude and actions, a practice she stated CAPS instilled in her personal and professional life.
Other students participating in the 2026 CAPS Fellows program and their respective internship placements included: - Angel Johnson ’27, a political science major, with By The Hand Club for Kids. - Sofia Gomez ’28, a psychology major, with Compass International Family Center. - Matthew Landrum ’27, majoring in economics, mathematics, and statistics, with Compass International Family Center. - Aria Davis ’28, a business analytics major, with Shirley Heinze Land Trust. - Isabelle Byrt ’28, a biology major and Christ College Scholar, with Save The Dunes. - Armelle S. Ndemanou Dongmo ’27, a nursing major, with Jacob’s Ladder Pediatric Rehabilitation. - Nickie Smar ’28, majoring in environmental science and geography and a Christ College Scholar, with The Grünewald Guild.
These internships spanned a variety of nonprofit sectors, offering practical experience in areas such as social work, political science, psychology, economics, business analytics, health science, biology, nursing, and environmental science. The program’s consistent aim is to bridge students’ academic pursuits with real-world service and personal introspection. The Institute for Leadership and Service also offers other opportunities for involvement, including speaker series, service projects, and trips.
