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Izzy Goninan, a Mount Berry native, has been chosen as a summer intern to work for Youth Villages, a national nonprofit that helps young adults with behavioral and emotional challenges and their families live successfully.

Goninan graduated from Berry College with a degree in psychology this past May. She is working in the Youth Villages’ group homes in Nashville.

This summer, 92 college students from across the nation are trading in their classrooms and books for valuable work experience with their Youth Villages summer internships. This yearÐÔÊӽ紫ý internship class represents 48 different colleges and universities from across 15 states.

The Youth Villages summer internship program is highly competitive within the field, receiving an average of more than 600 applications over the last six years. For its 2025 summer internship program, Youth Villages had more than 950 applications. This year marks the largest class of interns since Youth Villages began its summer internship program in 2000.

“This incredible group brings fresh perspectives, energy and compassion that will leave a lasting impact on those we serve at Youth Villages,� said Luke Self, managing director of recruiting for Youth Villages. “We’re excited for the growth they’ll experience as they build skills and deepen their understanding of behavioral health.�

Summer interns will serve at the organizationÐÔÊӽ紫ý Memphis residential campuses and Nashville-area group homes. Hailing from degree programs in social work, psychology, education and more, interns will gain hands-on experience working with youth ages 6 to 17 by assisting them with positive development and implementation of individual goals; planning and leading recreational activities; and being a positive role model in demonstrating a healthy and wholesome approach to life.

“We hope this summer is just the beginning, and that many of these interns will choose to start their careers with Youth Villages in the future,â€� Self said. “Hundreds of former interns have come back to work in full-time roles across the country after graduating. ItÐÔÊӽ紫ý one of our best recruiting tools.â€�

The program kicked off with a weeklong orientation, team-building activities and a welcome party hosted by CEO Patrick Lawler and other Youth Villages executives.