Three Atlantic County Institute of Technology seniors secured job offers through the Work-Based Learning Program.
Rishi Patel, Myla Cunningham and Mehd Ali were among more than 60 ACIT students placed across Atlantic County in internships, apprenticeships and paid roles funded by Atlantic County Workforce Development , giving employers a firsthand look at the region’s emerging workforce.
Taking their classroom knowledge into real-world results, they have secured employment while still in school.
“The Work-Based Learning Program at ACIT is successful for our students and Atlantic County’s employers,” ACIT Principal Joe Potkay said. “Employers are always impressed with the professionalism, talent, and work ethic of our students, and they want to hire them. These offers send a strong message to local businesses: investing in ACIT students pays off for the entire community.”
The three excelled at their summer roles, resulting in new opportunities.
Rishi PatelPatel, a Computer Science senior from Galloway Township,
Rishi Patel interned with Atlantic City Electric/Exelon, where he gained exposure to multiple fields and departments.
It helped him emphasize the importance of networking, pushing him out of his comfort zone and helping him build professional connections that could shape his career.
Originally interested in civil engineering, Rishi said the experience broadened his focus to include computer science and data analysis, giving him a clearer picture of the opportunities that exist in today’s technology-driven industries.
He received a job offer offer from Atlantic City Electric/Exelon.
Ali, a Math, Engineering and Science senior from Brigantine, interned with the Hamilton Township Municipal Utilities Authority.
His work included creating detailed operational diagrams for the authority’s wells, which produce as much as 150 million gallons of drinking water each month.
Ali called the experience transformative, saying it gave him a new appreciation for professional collaboration and the role of engineering in community infrastructure.
Hamilton MUA Executive Director Daniel Loveland praised him as “an exceptionally bright young individual with a promising future ahead,” noting that the entire staff enjoyed working with him.
Ali was offered a job.
Cunningham, an Automotive Technology senior also from Galloway, spent her summer with Chapman Ford, where 
Myla Cunningham
she learned that customer service and networking are just as vital to career success as technical skills.
The program gave her invaluable exposure to real-world problem solving and boosted her confidence in professional settings, she said.
Chapman Ford invited her to work there.
“I plan to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice at Stockton University while continuing my work in the automotive industry,” Cunningham explained. “The combination of skills I’m building will open doors for my future.”
“When students step into these paid work experiences, they’re doing much more than adding a line to their resume,” said Executive Director of Atlantic County Workforce Development Francis Kuhn. “They’re gaining confidence, building networks, and seeing how their education translates into meaningful work. At the same time, local employers are seeing the value of investing in the next generation. Together, that creates a ripple effect that benefits our students, our businesses, and the long-term vitality of Atlantic County.”
Cooperative Education Coordinator Gina DeMaio called it a work pipeline.
“Students gain confidence, practical skills and industry connections, while businesses gain motivated young talent with strong technical training," she said. "When employers partner with us, they go beyond filling a short-term role —they are helping shape the future of South Jersey’s workforce.”
Keira DoodyKeira Doody, of Absecon, completed an EMS internship with the Galloway Township Ambulance Squad, where she rode along on real emergency calls and visited leading healthcare and public service agencies, including Cooper University Hospital and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office at One World Trade Center.
She called it “the most valuable experience of my summer” and now plans to pursue EMT certification during her senior year.
“Keira gained experiences that few students her age have the opportunity to encounter," Lt. Stacey Rodenas said. "She showed compassion, eagerness to learn and was always willing to jump in to help. Her time in the program gave her practical knowledge and a new perspective on what it means to serve others, and we know she will excel in anything she chooses to do.”
Billie BrownBillie Brown, of Mays Landing, gained hands-on experience at Great Clips, and plans to continue working at Great Clips before pursuing a business degree to expand her opportunities in cosmetology.
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how to be professional in the field of cosmetology," she said. "Watching the way stylists interact with clients has helped me so much.”
Silvio FalconeSilvio Falcone, of Egg Harbor Township, managed Summer Sippins at Café on Main, ACIT’s student-run café, gaining first-hand experience in customer service, food prep, and business operations while serving the community.
Matthew Naylor trained at JC Motorsports, where he strengthened his skills in vehicle repair and plans to return next year.
Ten Health Sciences seniors partnered with Galloway EMS, riding along on ambulance calls, assisting with patient care, and shadowing EMTs.
