Last summer, CRA proudly partnered once again with KIPP Massachusetts (KIPP-MA) to welcome an extraordinary group of Rising Freshman Interns. This collaboration supports high school students transitioning to college by offering hands-on exposure to professional environments and mentorship opportunities.
KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program), founded in 1994, is a network of free, open-enrollment college-preparatory schools located in low-income communities across the nation, including one just outside of Boston. Through its holistic approach to education, KIPP schools aim to prepare students for success in college and beyond.
Our partnership with KIPP-MA includes a half-day corporate tour and visit to CRA’s Boston headquarters, where students interact with CRA leaders and analysts, exploring what it’s like to work in a corporate setting at a global professional services firm. They also gain valuable insights into what it takes to pursue careers in consulting, economics, and other related fields.
For eligible high school seniors, CRA offers paid summer internships that provide an immersive experience ahead of their first year at university. These students undergo a full interview process, and selected candidates spend part of their summer working within CRA’s corporate departments. By collaborating with teams across the firm, they connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications, shaping their aspirations and career paths.
An Environment of Collaboration & Mentorship
The CRA/KIPP-MA Rising Freshman Internship Program offers valuable learning experiences through a well-rounded schedule designed to inspire growth and development. Key components include:
- Monday Meetups with the Marketing, Business Development & Coaching (MBDC) team, where interns focus on building personal brands and developing professional skills.
- Wednesday Lunch & Learns, which offer insights into CRA’s corporate departments, helping students explore diverse career paths.
- Friday LinkedIn Learning Sessions, designed to encourage reflection on weekly experiences, strengthen technical skills, and refine networking approaches.
This program encourages students to think beyond academics, fostering a lifelong love of learning and equipping them with the tools for both academic and professional success while cultivating a growth mindset.
“Our purpose is to connect our students to the idea that we learn not for school, but for life,” said Nikki Barnes, Executive Director of KIPP-MA. “It’s our responsibility to connect our students to the community and partners so they are exposed to a variety of career paths that we may not even have named in school. We saw that opportunity with CRA.”
One of the most transformative aspects of the internship is the opportunity for students to engage with CRA’s C-suite executives and collaborate with highly skilled professionals. Interns learn firsthand how to navigate complex systems, solve real-world challenges, and thrive in a fast-paced corporate environment.
The partnership also challenges CRA team members to create an experience that leaves a lasting impact on the interns while enabling the firm to give back to the community. It fosters fresh perspectives and energizes CRA’s teams to continue investing in future talent.
Meet the 2024 Rising Freshmen Interns
- Darren Ath-Ly – Harvard University, Internship in Finance
- Ameen Charkaoui – Suffolk University, Internship in IT
- Alejandro Nina Duran – Duke University, Internship in Finance
- Angel Frias – Northeastern University, Internship in Human Capital
- Beatrice “Bee” Gachohi – Bentley University, Internship in MBDC
- Faneuil Gebru – UMass Lowell, Internship in MBDC
- Erinma Nwoke – Northwestern University, Internship in Human Capital
- Roba Srour – Boston University, Internship in IT
“During my internship, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in managing complex systems and troubleshooting real-world technical challenges. Collaborating with a team of skilled professionals, I honed my problem-solving abilities and deepened my understanding of IT infrastructure. This experience strengthened my technical skills and reinforced the importance of teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.”
– Roba Srour, Internship in IT
Shaping the Future Together
In the years to come, CRA plans to expand this program to KIPP schools in other cities across the nation, empowering even more students to unlock their potential. By investing in future generations, we strengthen our culture of learning, inclusivity, and innovation while ensuring alignment with our strategic vision of delivering impactful, tailored solutions to our clients.
Our partnership with KIPP-MA is part of CRA’s All-Access Initiative, a program within our Community Advancement efforts and a cornerstone of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. By supporting access to higher education, we’re not just opening doors for talented students but also empowering individuals from a range of backgrounds and encouraging opportunities that inspire growth and achievement.
Together, we’re shaping a future where opportunities are boundless, and success is accessible to all.