Cameron Tong
Majors: Economics and political science
Minors: History, public policy and ethics
Q: What are you up to this summer?
I have an internship with the Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP).
Q: What do you do in this position?
With CNP, I will be working specifically on neighborhood economic development programs. I will be drafting contracts between parties, administering state grant funding, and looking to help launch various pilot programs to spur growth in the Cleveland neighborhoods. I work directly with community development corporations (CDCs), CNP staff, and officials in the economic development offices at City Hall. So far, I've helped or been a part of distributing, or starting the process of administering, upwards of $150,000 in funding directly to businesses and projects in the city.
Q: What led you to this internship?
This internship is through the Cleveland Foundation's Summer Internship Program. I was recommended to apply for this program by Joy Mason, a 2022 graduate of Weatherhead School of Management.
Q: What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?
I've really enjoyed getting to work with CDCs and small businesses here in Cleveland to implement a grant program and help get state funding to various startups and existing businesses in our city. It's rewarding to see businesses take advantage of the grant dollars.
Q: What are you most looking forward to getting out of this experience?
I'm hoping to broaden my experience with both non-profit work as well as hands-on work with neighborhood economic development. Additionally, I'm excited to network and connect with my fellow interns, CNP staff, other community leaders, and employees of the City of Cleveland.
Article Date
June 21, 2022
