Utah Tech University Students Help Navy Families in Italy

By Abbigail Jones

In keeping with Utah Tech University's "active learning. active life" approach to education, three students in the Recreation and Sports Management (RSM) program traveled to Naples, Italy, during the spring 2023 semester as interns with the Trailblazer Child and Youth Program (TCYP).

Emma Rosilio, one student in the first TCYP Naples cohort, shared her reasons for joining the program. "This opportunity encompasses many of the things I value most: traveling and working with children," she said.

TCYP gives students a paid intership and servicelearning opportunity as they explore new places and develop their skills providing safe and educational programming for youth from military families living on naval bases throughout the world. Utah Tech University is one of only two universities in the nation to have been awarded a contact with the U.S. Navy to provide this internship opportunity.

One bonus of this program is that the day-to-day responsibilities vary, depending on the students' interests and skill sets, making each student's experience unique. Interns facilitate programming for many Navy child and youth programs, including youth and teen prograrms, after school programs, and recreational programs.

Behind the scenes are numerous UT faculty and staff members, including Jen Young, Director of TCYP, and Joseph Lovell, Associate Professor in the RSM program. Both Young and Lovell stay connected with the students participating in the program and support them through the process. Young carries out the vision of the program while Lovell connects his RSM students to internship opportunities, such as the one provided by TCYP.

The Naples TCYP students met weekly at 6:00 a.m. MST (2:00 p.m. in Naples) to share experiences and receive support and training. “It is so cool to start my workday seeing the faces of my students in a different country, ready to take on an expansive experience,” Young said.

Lovell is dedicated to providing work and academic experiences within the RSM program. “Having more industry experience will shape a more favorable applicant when entering the job market,” Lovell said, adding that nearly every industry is being influenced by a global society and that understanding how different cultures operate and function is crucial.

The students participating in the TCYP get the best of both worlds. As they travel to another country, they can earn academic credit while also gaining knowledge of the global market. “This is such an amazing experience,” Rosillo said. “We have had the opportunity to work with kids of all ages while traveling around Europe.”

The Trailblazer Child and Youth Program aligns with Utah Tech’s commitment to active learning to help prepare students for successful careers. For more information, visit trailblazercyp.utahtech.edu/.

About the Author

Abbigail Jones, Utah Tech University Student

Abbigail Jones is a full-time student at Utah Tech University. After making the move from Salt Lake City to St. George three years ago, Abbigail found her passion for all things media and marketing. Completing her bachelor’s degree in spring of 2023, Abbigail will enter the working world ready to pursue her dreams.

For more information about Utah Tech University, please visit utahtech.edu.