Service to Success Internships

The Service to Success Internships provide military-connected students with the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in career fields they are interested in pursuing. Aaron Krenz, Minnesota State Moorhead's Yellow Ribbon Advance director and retired Lieutenant Colonel, says, "Service to Success Internships give employers the opportunity to see firsthand the tremendous skills and leadership that military experience has developed in these students."

This summer, two Moorhead students – Joaquin Watson and Mike Bedard – were the first to participate in the Service to Success Internships.

Tom Kyllo, lead juvenile counselor and PREA coordinator at the West Central Regional Juvenile Center, is mentoring Watson through his internship as a juvenile counselor.

"These internships are a valuable resource to help Veterans succeed in their careers. They offer hands-on experience in the criminal justice field and provide opportunities for daily interaction with young people," Kyllo said. "Veterans make outstanding role models-they draw from their own life experiences to help youth navigate challenges and inspire them to grow and improve. This collaboration has the potential to create a lasting impact-not only for Veteran students, but also for the youth they engage with."

Service to Success Internships

Watson is grateful for the invitation to join the Service to Success Internship program.

Joaquin Watson

"This experience has helped me earn credits toward my degree and gain valuable insight into the criminal justice field," Watson said. "I'm learning what it means to be a juvenile counselor while building strong connections with the staff. Tom has been instrumental in my training, along with Ryan Sandven, who guided me through MOCH and WRAP training. This internship is giving me valuable hands-on experience as I prepare for a career after graduating." 

Bedard is a preparator intern at the Plains Art Museum.

Mike Bedard

"Having a Veteran student like Mike has been a real asset to our team. His discipline, attention to detail, and thoughtful approach to the work bring a unique depth to the preparator role at Plains Art Museum," said Danielle Gravon, chief curator at the Plains Art Museum. "Mike's perspective and skills enrich our practice and remind us of the diverse paths that lead individuals to the arts."

The Yellow Ribbon Advance Grant supports the Service to Success Internships, creating career pathways for military-connected students in the community.