At Dweck Properties, we believe in the power of mentorship, hands-on experience, and fostering the next generation of talent. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with Urban Alliance, an organization dedicated to providing paid internships, skills training, and mentorship to high school students across the country.

Urban Alliance’s mission is to build a diverse next-generation workforce by offering transformative experiences to young people in Washington D.C., Baltimore, Chicago, and Detroit. Through its flagship High School Internship Program, Urban Alliance connects students with meaningful paid internships, giving them the opportunity to gain professional skills, build their networks, and explore potential career paths.

In 2020, Urban Alliance launched its Property Management Pathway Program in partnership with the PREA Foundation. This program introduces students to careers in property management, focusing on the service technician and leasing sides of the industry. It’s designed to provide students with valuable alternatives to traditional post-secondary education while still offering the potential for growth, upward mobility, and a livable wage.

When Dweck Properties learned about the Property Management Pathway Program, the alignment in values was clear. As Laura Montgomery, Urban Alliance’s Director of External Partnerships in Greater D.C., puts it, “Training and education is at the core of what Dweck does – not many organizations have this training and education structure for their employees.”

This shared commitment to education and professional development laid the foundation for a powerful partnership.

This year, Dweck Properties welcomed Nataly Marquez Olivar, a senior at Alexandria City High School, as our first intern through the program. Nataly hit the ground running under the guidance of mentor Kris Taylor, Maintenance Supervisor at Crystal Square. Nataly’s enthusiasm and eagerness to learn have been evident from day one. “I grew up around a lot of mechanics, carpenters, landscapers,” she shares. “I enjoy hands-on work and the challenge of understanding how things function.” Through her internship, Nataly has had the opportunity to dive into plumbing, electrical work, appliance repair, and even fire extinguisher inspections – all while exploring a potential career path in a traditionally male-dominated field.

The benefits of this partnership extend far beyond Nataly’s personal growth and skill development. Julio Ponciano, Director of Maintenance Engagement & Learning at Dweck Properties, sees the value that high school interns like Nataly bring to the Dweck team: “We were all young at some point and needed guidance and direction, and we are all here to offer that guidance and direction. One of the things I admire most in Nataly is that she asks a lot of questions. This shows that she is eager to learn.” Urban Alliance’s programs also offer students the unique opportunity to gain paid professional experience. “It’s an incredibly unfair and privileged question to ask a young person to choose between earning money or getting professional work experience,” Montgomery explains. By providing paid internships, Urban Alliance removes barriers and empowers students to invest in their futures.

As Nataly prepares to graduate and take the next steps in her journey, she reflects on how her internship has shaped her aspirations: “It’s definitely shaped what I want to do in the future.” With newfound interests in HVAC and electrical engineering, Nataly is a shining example of the impact that hands-on experience and mentorship can have on a young person’s trajectory.

At Dweck Properties, we’re incredibly proud to be part of Nataly’s story and to support Urban Alliance’s mission. We encourage other companies to consider partnering with Urban Alliance to provide transformative opportunities for high school students in their communities. Together, we can empower the next generation of diverse talent and build a brighter future for all.

If you are a Dweck resident and know an employer interested in partnering with Urban Alliance, please contact Laura Montgomery at [email protected]. Employers have opportunities to host or sponsor interns. Students interested in applying for the program can do so here.