It's difficult to put into words just how much I have learned how much I have grown within these short few months, but I think it may be helpful to try. I spent this summer interning with the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens, which was initially unexpected due to the nature of my academic and professional interests being centered elsewhere in the realm of policy. Before I came to the organization, I hardly knew what a returning citizen was; sure, I was familiar with the shortcomings and scrutiny of criminal justice in America, but there was a lack of direction in terms of reform and political advocacy. All of that naivety was upended the minute I spoke to Courtney Stewart, founder and CEO of the NRNRC, during my interview. I got a sense of the compassion that he had for his neighbors and the drive that he had to make a difference, and I immediately felt compelled to play a similar role in my community.
Mr. Stewart and the rest of the staff were very welcoming and accommodating during my first few weeks as their coworker. They were patient with me embracing the new information that I was ingesting, and offered valuable support every step of the way. I was given a number of projects to work on, all of which I would describe as fulfilling. From writing literature reviews about the status of incarceration and reentry in America to setting out on D.C. in my platform shoes to converse with neighbors and business owners, I did something valuable and thought-provoking every single day. There was not a moment at which I felt as though what I was doing was disappointing or without impact, because the temperament of the National Reentry Network is inherently proactive. No task that is carried out by the staff daily falls short of their mission.
Interning here has undoubtedly peeled my eyes to the many injustices that stymie progress in the communities surrounding me. In the number of video interviews that I performed with the supervisor during my time here, I mentioned the power of paying it forward and how I have never before experienced the "ripple effects" of kindness at such a magnitude in my life. This is the full, unembellished truth. In the months of my internship, I observed returning citizens—graduates of the Ready4Work program offered by the organization—set their community on the path towards justice and conflict resolution. It has been remarkable, and it has served as a reminder of the potential everyone has to take part in a more kind, more empathetic world. I have certainly strengthened my commitment to doing so.
I was lucky to spend any amount of time with my friends here at the National Reentry Network, and I am every bit thankful for the work that they do and for the part that they let me play.
I spent my summer in an academic internship program interning for the NRNRC, and it was the highlight of my summer in DC. I did a mix of things: attending testimonies at The John Wilson Building, entering data, and helping out with the Community Led Preventive Model. However, my favorite work this summer was writing op-ed pieces for Black Table Talk magazine.
The entire staff is helpful, and everyone gets along well with each other and has a great dynamic that makes working at the office enjoyable. The CEO, Courtney Stewart, is a kind man that always makes sure to check up on everyone throughout the week.
This organization does good work for the city, providing second chances for those that have been turned away from society due to mistakes in their past. They're currently engaging in a four-year program in certain parts of the city that aims to address the root issues in certain communities and find community-based solutions to them. The overall goal is for communities to be able to rely on each other and aid in deescalating situations before they get out of hand. This internship was an exceptional experience, and I'm proud to have worked for this organization.
Over the past three months, I’ve had the incredible privilege of interning with the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens, an experience that has been nothing short of transformative. It has deepened my passion for criminal justice reform and affirmed that I am exactly where I’m meant to be. As I near the completion of my undergraduate studies and prepare to begin graduate school, this internship has been instrumental in shaping my professional path and preparing me to engage meaningfully in this vital work.
What sets the National Reentry Network apart is its powerful model: it is led by returning citizens, for returning citizens. Being part of an organization grounded in lived experience has profoundly expanded my understanding of the systemic barriers returning citizens face not only in Washington, D.C., but nationwide. I’ve had the honor of working directly with individuals navigating reentry through the Network’s impactful programs, giving me firsthand insight into the support systems that truly foster success and dignity after incarceration.
Beyond direct service, I was fortunate to attend council meetings and legislative hearings, where I gained a deeper understanding of the policy landscape surrounding reentry and criminal justice reform. These opportunities helped me see how advocacy, policy, and grassroots engagement converge to drive meaningful, systemic change.
This internship has not only equipped me with valuable skills but has also deepened my commitment to the fight for justice. I leave this experience more inspired than ever to continue this work. Once I complete my graduate studies, I fully intend to return to D.C. and contribute to the ongoing movement for equity and reform. This is just the beginning, and I’m all in.
Thank you to the National Reentry Network for this life-changing opportunity. I wholeheartedly recommend this organization to anyone passionate about justice, equity, and empowering communities.
I had the opportunity to intern at The National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens, and I can confidently say that it was an incredibly rewarding experience. I worked closely with the Policy Director on developing testimonies, which allowed me to refine my writing skills in a real-world policy environment. Throughout my time here, I felt both supported and challenged, which led to significant growth professionally and personally.
Courtney Stewart, the CEO, and the entire dedicated staff fostered an environment where collaboration and learning were prioritized. Everyone I worked with was incredibly hard-working and committed to the organization's mission. The level of passion and drive they displayed toward helping individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration was truly inspiring. I am grateful for the mentorship and encouragement I received, and I will carry the lessons learned into my future endeavors.
The work done by The National Reentry Network is nothing short of amazing. Their commitment to social justice, rehabilitation, and empowerment is evident in everything they do. The team works tirelessly to create meaningful change in the lives of returning citizens, and it’s clear that they are making a profound impact. I highly recommend this organization to anyone passionate about advocacy, justice, and community empowerment.
I have had the opportunity to work closely with this organization and I have learned of the values and principles that it stands for. The National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens aims to create a close community of likeminded people who are trying to navigate the barriers of reentry, and also use their experiences to bring about change in the criminal justice system. By offering job readiness, advocacy, and other programs, the Reentry Network provides tools for returning citizens that they can use to better themselves and enhance their voices in the community.
The programs offered by the National Reentry Network seem to have made a difference in the lives of returning citizens. As from what I have seen, participants are invested in the programs and learn valuable skills for finding jobs and learning wellness techniques. The National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens is a great tool and resource for those seeking guidance.
The National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens is a dedicated organization with loyal and hardworking employees who make it their mission every day to assist returning citizens. I have been an intern for about two months now and I have gotten to know the work they do well enough to know that it requires a level of dedication that not many people would be inclined to put forth. The Reentry Network makes an effort to reach out and stay closely in touch with Ready 4 Work program participants throughout their entire participation in order to keep a close connection, and they work hard to assist returning citizens in any way possible. This organization puts the needs of others on their shoulders and prioritizes the success of the clients over anything else.