Lenovo–NAF Internship Program Empowers Future Workforce
This summer, Lenovo welcomed 31 high school students from five nearby schools to its Morrisville, North Carolina headquarters as part of a dynamic six-week internship program in collaboration with the nonprofit organization NAF. While the interns represented a variety of NAF academies and brought different talents, aspirations, and perspectives, they were united by a shared enthusiasm for growth and opportunity.
Now, two months after the program concluded, I find myself even more appreciative of the experience and the meaningful relationships that were formed along the way.
“Internships are a core priority for NAF because hands-on professional experience plays a critical role in preparing students for long-term success,” said Sarina Mathai, Assistant Director of Partnerships at NAF. “Our Outcomes-Driven Work-Based Learning model centers on three goals: helping students clarify career interests, strengthening Future Ready Skills through real workplace feedback, and fostering authentic connections with industry professionals. These experiences benefit students by offering applied learning, while organizations gain access to rising talent and help shape the next generation of the workforce.”
Led by Community Engagement Manager Libby Richards, interns were assigned to a range of Lenovo departments. Some worked independently, while others collaborated in teams. From developing reports and engaging with global clients to mastering new software and contributing to long-term engineering initiatives, interns were entrusted with responsibilities that closely mirrored real professional environments.
Outside of their daily assignments, Lenovo created numerous opportunities for interns to connect with employees and learn more about the company. Throughout the summer, interns participated in networking events, informational sessions, and career fairs, where they spoke with professionals across many areas of Lenovo. These conversations broadened our understanding of potential career paths and opened doors we may not have previously considered.
Intern managers also recognized the value these experiences brought—not only to students, but to their teams as well.
“This is my third year managing interns, and I continue to be impressed by the talent and enthusiasm they bring,” said Lance Tryon, Senior Manager of Inside Technical Sales. “They arrive motivated, curious, and ready to learn, while making meaningful contributions to the team.”
Welcoming fresh perspectives often sparks creativity and leads to unexpected innovation.
“What resonates most with us as interns is the level of trust and respect we receive from Lenovo employees,” said Chance, a Community Engagement intern. “NAF interns are treated as genuine members of the team—whether we’re in meetings, common spaces, or collaborating through Teams.”
With the proper resources and guidance, interns were able to make real progress toward their professional goals.
“This internship has been far more impactful than a typical summer job—it’s been a meaningful step toward my future career,” said Amira, a Customer Experience Analyst Intern. “I’m grateful to everyone at Lenovo who invested time in mentoring and supporting me. The skills I’ve gained and the connections I’ve built will stay with me long after the program ended.”
As this year’s internship program wrapped up, one thing became clear: its impact extends well beyond six weeks. Lenovo’s partnership with NAF continues to empower students by giving them the chance to apply real-world skills while strengthening the connection between education and industry. With each new group of interns, the future workforce becomes more prepared—one experience, and one connection, at a time.
Now, two months after the program concluded, I find myself even more appreciative of the experience and the meaningful relationships that were formed along the way.
“Internships are a core priority for NAF because hands-on professional experience plays a critical role in preparing students for long-term success,” said Sarina Mathai, Assistant Director of Partnerships at NAF. “Our Outcomes-Driven Work-Based Learning model centers on three goals: helping students clarify career interests, strengthening Future Ready Skills through real workplace feedback, and fostering authentic connections with industry professionals. These experiences benefit students by offering applied learning, while organizations gain access to rising talent and help shape the next generation of the workforce.”
Led by Community Engagement Manager Libby Richards, interns were assigned to a range of Lenovo departments. Some worked independently, while others collaborated in teams. From developing reports and engaging with global clients to mastering new software and contributing to long-term engineering initiatives, interns were entrusted with responsibilities that closely mirrored real professional environments.
Outside of their daily assignments, Lenovo created numerous opportunities for interns to connect with employees and learn more about the company. Throughout the summer, interns participated in networking events, informational sessions, and career fairs, where they spoke with professionals across many areas of Lenovo. These conversations broadened our understanding of potential career paths and opened doors we may not have previously considered.
Intern managers also recognized the value these experiences brought—not only to students, but to their teams as well.
“This is my third year managing interns, and I continue to be impressed by the talent and enthusiasm they bring,” said Lance Tryon, Senior Manager of Inside Technical Sales. “They arrive motivated, curious, and ready to learn, while making meaningful contributions to the team.”
Welcoming fresh perspectives often sparks creativity and leads to unexpected innovation.
“What resonates most with us as interns is the level of trust and respect we receive from Lenovo employees,” said Chance, a Community Engagement intern. “NAF interns are treated as genuine members of the team—whether we’re in meetings, common spaces, or collaborating through Teams.”
With the proper resources and guidance, interns were able to make real progress toward their professional goals.
“This internship has been far more impactful than a typical summer job—it’s been a meaningful step toward my future career,” said Amira, a Customer Experience Analyst Intern. “I’m grateful to everyone at Lenovo who invested time in mentoring and supporting me. The skills I’ve gained and the connections I’ve built will stay with me long after the program ended.”
As this year’s internship program wrapped up, one thing became clear: its impact extends well beyond six weeks. Lenovo’s partnership with NAF continues to empower students by giving them the chance to apply real-world skills while strengthening the connection between education and industry. With each new group of interns, the future workforce becomes more prepared—one experience, and one connection, at a time.
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