This summer, I interned as a Data Management Intern at the Alaska Afterschool Network, managing data for program insights and identifying improvement areas.
About the project
Alaska Afterschool Network (AAN) is an organization that supports afterschool programs across the state of Alaska. My primary role involved organizing and managing data to provide a clearer picture of how these programs are run and identifying what resources they may need in the future.
Context
Over eight weeks, I worked on several impactful projects, from refining internal data tracking tools to creating a more user-friendly website. These projects gave me the opportunity to build practical skills while contributing to a meaningful cause.
AAN collects data on Alaskan afterschool programs, such as program types offered, meal availability, and offering differences during the school year versus the summer.
Problem
However, there were some issues with this data: some of this data was manually processed and scattered across multiple systems, making it difficult to quickly pull accurate insights. The database also contained duplicate entries and outdated information, which could lead to incorrect reporting. I was responsible for cleaning up the database to fix these problems.
Additionally, AAN’s website needed a fresh design to improve accessibility and make information easier to find for both the community and staff.
I focused on improving AAN’s internal data tracking tools. I first enhanced the organization’s Google Sheets system by creating formulas that automated several calculations, saving time and reducing human error.
Solution
Next, I used AAN’s Salesforce platform to generate detailed reports on the afterschool programs, which helped illustrate key insights like program availability, meal offerings, and comparisons between different types of programs. I then built a dashboard that displayed these insights visually, making the information more accessible to the AAN team.
For the database, I worked on cleaning up the data by removing duplicate entries and importing fresh information. I gathered additional details on local public libraries and schools using a web-scraping tool, which allowed me to quickly collect and organize this new information.
Finally, I took on the redesign of AAN’s website using Squarespace, ensuring the content was easy to navigate and the design was accessible for users of all backgrounds. I incorporated feedback from the team to make sure the site met their needs and created clear documentation to help them manage these systems in the future.
Reflecting on this internship, I’m incredibly grateful for the skills I developed and the supportive team at AAN. I learned a lot about effective data management and the importance of maintaining accurate records, which is critical for organizations like AAN that rely on data to guide their programs. This role challenged me to think creatively about solutions, like finding ways to automate repetitive tasks and build visual tools that make complex data easier to understand.
Reflection
Working on the website redesign was another highlight. This project gave me insight into the impact of accessibility in digital spaces, and I loved knowing that the new site could reach a wider audience and more effectively showcase the value of AAN’s work. The experience taught me how to manage projects from start to finish, communicate effectively within a team, and apply my academic knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Beyond my work with AAN, I also had the privilege of participating in the build4good program, which provided valuable experiences and insights. Each week, I joined cohort calls where industry professionals shared their career journeys, offering a firsthand look into different paths within the field. Additionally, I benefited from weekly mentorship check-ins, where interns could seek guidance on any challenges we faced, whether in our internships or with general education and career planning.
A highlight of build4good was our trip to Washington, D.C., where I connected with other interns and participated in professional development sessions focused on educational policy and accessibility in technology. During this time, we took part in a hackathon, and my group worked on designing an AI tool specifically tailored for visually impaired users.
My unique experience as both an AAN and build4good intern has been unforgettable. This was a truly formative time, where I had the chance to grow professionally and personally. Thanks to the supportive and welcoming build4good team, I feel confident as I move forward in my career journey, equipped with new skills, knowledge, and lasting connections.