In Montgomery County, only 41% of high school seniors enroll in college upon graduation. While our students enroll at a higher rate, a significant number do not plan to attend college. In 2024, AYM created workforce development opportunities for our youth.  Our programs are especially relevant to these students, as it puts them on a professional path at a critical juncture in their lives.

AYM is committed to sustainable development for our youth. We don’t just teach our youth employable skills we also connect them to professionals who are using those skills for gainful employment.  When youth leave our programs, they often stay in touch with AYM mentors for guidance and connections. We have integrated hands-on and workplace opportunities for youth to apply their skill sets as they build confidence, become young professionals, and connect with career opportunities. 

2025 SUMMER YOUTH WORKFORCE

  • Brown skinned teenager with tan and black braids, wearing a black tee shirt, a gray crossbody bag, and a necklace.

    TIERRA ASHBY

    SUMMER RISE INTERN

    My name is Tierra Ashby, I love watching 90s and 2000s romcoms in my free time. My favorite movie at the moment is Monsters Inc. I enjoy going to the beach, shopping, and playing with makeup. When I graduate I hope to move to New York and get a chocolate lab called Elvis and Daschund called Bleu. I’m a big fan of country music and all things country.

  • Tan skinned person with black short dreads. Wearing white t-shirt.

    KIYA BOGGAN

    SUMMER RISE INTERN

    (she/her) Hello, my name is Kiya Boggan and I’m a RISE participant at Action Youth Media. I joined because the program had some art aspects to it so I thought it would be fun. Outside of academics I’m usually just lounging around watching something interesting. Two of my favorite shows right now are Alice in Borderland and Bloodhounds. When I’m not watching something I like to try different cuisines such as Thai or Japanese. Any chance I get I’m going to order mango sticky rice as it’s my favorite dessert. A final thing about me is that I play volleyball in and out of highschool. I play for a club called Maryland Juniors and for my highschool team.

  • Brown skinned person with short black hair. Light tan button up shirt.

    EYUEL DANIEL

    SUMMER RISE INTERN

    My name is Eyuel Daniel, a rising senior and participant in the Summer RISE program. In most cases, you will find me in my bedroom, either playing video games, a long time favorite pastime of mine, or working on many projects of mine, ranging from animations, comics, games. I couldn’t answer what I want to in the future, I want to do something that will make someone else feel good and/or inspired. Moving forward, I hope to make something that I can be proud of, feeling accomplished in, a sense of satisfaction in a job well done.

  • Light skinned teenager with short blonde hair and light green highlights. Many face piercings, silver glasses. Wearing black and neon green t-shirt, and lock necklace.

    AXEL EAGLE

    SUMMER RISE INTERN

  • Light skinned boy with buzz cut. Black string necklace wearing tan shirt.

    MICAH FELMAN

    SUMMER RISE INTERN

  • Brown skinned person with brown dreads. Silver earrings and nose ring. Wearing dark green t-shirt.

    AIDAN ROGERS

    AYM INTERN

    (he/him) My name is Aidan and I work for AYM as a media management intern. I started off doing AYM’s student workshops and have since progressed into doing photography, videography, and editing for the company. I have graduated high school and have been admitted into Syracuse SOE class of 2029. As a hobby, I write, direct, and edit my own personal short films I intend to publish online. In my free time, I watch a ton of films from all kinds of eras. My favorite films at the moment have to be Jean-Luc Godard’s French New Wave films from the 60’s.

  • Light tan skinned teenage girl with curly hair, green TRex earrings, wire rim glasses and a big smile, wearing a stripped cardigan and blue, white and pink tee shirt.

    AMANDA SANTIAGO

    SUMMER RISE INTERN

    (she/her) Hi, my name is Amanda Santiago and I’m a Summer RISE participant at Action Youth Media! I was born in Puerto Rico, so I love summer and the beach. I also enjoy reading and writing, especially fantasy which is my favorite genre. Currently, my favorite movies are The Marvels and Thunderbolts*. I’m definitely a huge Marvel fan! Also, my current favorite shows are Doctor Who and The Owl House. Allons-y! I am passionate about cinematography and would like to pursue a career in media. I’m excited to be a part of AYM and explore the world of journalism and youth empowerment.

  • Light skinned girl with dirty blonde hair. Wearing black tank top.

    EVA SCHWARTZ

    SUMMER RISE INTERN

  • brown skinned girl with curly black hair. red shirt with heart necklace.

    YOHANNA SEIFE

    SUMMER RISE INTERN

    (she/her) Hi, My name is Yohanna Seife. This summer, I’m interning at Action Youth Media, where I get to explore my love for reporting and interviewing. I enjoy playing volleyball and hearing people’s stories because it helps me learn new things. My parents are first-generation Ethiopian immigrants, and the culture is a big part of my life. My favorite show is A Series of Unfortunate Events. I’m a black belt in karate, which has taught me focus and perseverance. I’m so excited to be part of Action Youth Media this summer and use my voice to share stories that matter!

  • Light skinned person with a buzz cut, wearing a black zip-up hoodie, a gray tee shirt, and black headphones.

    JASPER TAFT

    AYM INTERN

    (they/them) Hi, I’m Jasper, and this is my first year interning at AYM! I want to go to school for film. My favorite food is onigiri. My favorite color is green and my favorite activity is hiking. I like to read manga like demon slayer and Haikyuu! I love horror movies and going to concerts. I am so excited to be here!

  • Brown skinned girl with curly black hair. Wearing purple butterfly t-shirt and cross necklace

    ADONA TILAHUN

    SUMMER RISE INTERN

    Hi, my name is Adona and I am a Summer Rise intern with Action Youth Media! Some things to know about me: I listen to R&B mostly, especially Frank Ocean and SZA. Some hobbies I have are painting, scrolling on Pinterest, going for walks, and going out in general. Some of my favorite movies and shows are To All The Boys I Loved Before , Gossip Girl , A Different World, and 10 Things I Hate About You. Lastly, my favorite colors are pink, pastel yellow, and 14 karat gold.

  • Light skinned boy with short wavy black hair. Wearing black t-shirt with Puerto Rico text.

    DANIEL TROY

    SUMMER RISE INTERN