Clinton Community Fellows Program Kicks Off 10-Week Summer of Service & Leadership

From the left are Ollie Basta, a Wilmington College senior who partnered with Main Street Wilmington's Trevor Shoemaker; Vanessa Calderone, a Xavier University Junior who partnered with Ruth Brindle of the Clinton County Port Authority; Gabe Moore, a Wilmington College senior who partnered with Anya Tipton of the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission; and Bekah Wall, program director.

WILMINGTON, Ohio (May 27, 2025)—The Clinton Community Fellows Program officially launched this week, bringing together a dynamic group of college students for a 10-week immersive internship experience focused on leadership, service, and local impact.

The Clinton Community Fellows was founded by Energize Clinton County (ECC), the Wilmington Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) to engage students and recent graduates with local professional opportunities and organizations. This year, ECC has partnered with Wilmington College to administer and house the program.

Now in its 2025 session, the program pairs student Fellows with local businesses and nonprofits, including Main Street Wilmington, the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), and the Clinton County Port Authority—to collaborate on high-impact projects that benefit the community. Over the summer, Fellows will take on real-world challenges, develop professional skills, and contribute meaningfully to the organizations that make Clinton County thrive.

“This program is about more than just summer work,” said program director Bekah Wall. “It’s about investing in the next generation of civic-minded leaders and helping them understand how community engagement and professional growth can go hand in hand.”

In addition to hands-on project work, the Fellows will participate in weekly leadership seminars grounded in Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last, engage in community-centered dinners, and reflect on their personal and professional growth throughout the summer. The program will culminate in a public capstone presentation on July 31st, where students will share their project outcomes with community partners and residents.

The Clinton Community Fellows Program is supported by a network of local mentors, small business leaders, and public service professionals. From housing advocacy and downtown development to strategic planning, workforce engagement, and advancing public health, Fellows will contribute fresh perspectives and tangible support to a range of initiatives shaping Clinton County’s future. To learn more about the program or to follow along with the Fellows’ work this summer, visit @ClintonCommunityFellows on Facebook. Contact: Bekah Wall, Program

Coordinator, Clinton Community Fellows, email: bekah.wall@wilmington.edu.

Article Submitted by Wilmington College