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CWS Partner Feature: Cleveland History Center

It’s the end of an era as senior Chanice finishes her last Corporate Work Study day at Cleveland History Center (CHC) after working there the last 4 years. From a shy freshman to a confident senior, Chanice has learned professionalism and communication skills while earning 1,600 hours of work experience throughout her Saint Martin career.

As an indispensable member of the education department, Chanice played a critical role in The Cleveland History Center’s success. The CHC hosts about 15 school programs, plus a few public programs, that they book throughout the course of the year. Each program has its own sets of materials, worksheets, and other preparation, which Chanice ensured were ready long before the school groups arrived. Additionally, she helped welcome the school groups and stowed their coats and bags, and she also helped supervise students on the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel and in other museum spaces. Beyond these day-to-day operations, she has assisted with a lot of the administrative work (surveys, data entry, etc.) that made all of these programs possible.

Chanice’s supervisor, Mary Manning, PK-12 Education Coordinator & Youth Entrepreneurship Education (YEE) Project Director (Interim) shares “When Chanice arrived at CHC as a freshman, she was much more timid! We could tell that she was smart and kind, but it took her a little while for her to open up. Once she did, we understood how very capable she is, and we have delighted in her boldness as she speaks her mind.”

Mary notes how the team has trusted Chanice’s criticism and feedback on program content, and where possible, they have tried to help her shape her own voice as a worker and a scholar. For example, this year as a senior, she collaborated with Dr. Regennia Williams, the museum’s Distinguished Scholar of African-American History, on a bibliography and short essay to encourage further study of a sacred jazz artist.

While her supervisors are sad her Corporate Work Study experience is ending, they aren’t getting rid of Chanice quite yet! After graduation, Chanice will be welcoming guests to the center as a Sales Associate at the front desk. Chanice shares, “I am excited to continue working for the Cleveland History Center after graduation because my work study experience there has been incredible! My supervisor has become like a friend, and I am thankful to all the support she has given me over the years.”