The new HADCO Fellows Program will provide selected students with the opportunity to work directly alongside community leaders and development professionals, gaining firsthand insight into the planning, collaboration and strategic initiatives that help shape the Huntington region.
The program will begin this year with the selection of Anna Holstein, a journalism and mass communications major, as the inaugural HADCO Fellow.
“We are excited to launch the HADCO Fellows Program as a way to connect talented Marshall students with meaningful, real-world experience in economic development,” said Kaylin Jorge, executive director of HADCO. “As a small office, this partnership also provides valuable additional support for our ongoing projects and initiatives while helping cultivate the next generation of civic and economic development leaders.”
Dr. Allyson Goodman, professor and internship coordinator in the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism said Hostein is an outstanding student, a campus leader and well suited for the position.
“This will be Anna’s second internship,” Goodman said. “She has already worked last year for Huntington Convention and Visitors bureau with high marks for her work. She stands out in the classroom as a group leader, writer, designer and strategist. I know she will help HADCO move forward with their goals of improving Huntington.”
University officials say the experience aligns with Marshall’s commitment to experiential learning and workforce development.
“This partnership creates an incredible opportunity for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to projects that directly impact the community,” said Cris McDavid, director of Career Education at Marshall. “Programs like this strengthen the connection between Marshall University and the region we serve while preparing students for meaningful careers in public service, nonprofit leadership and economic development.”
The HADCO Fellows Program is expected to continue annually, offering future students the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that support growth and development across the Huntington area.
For more information on the program, contact Jorge at kgorge@hadco.org.