Jewel Mansfield admitted that she knew nothing about lighthouses before beginning a fulfilling internship at the National Lighthouse Museum through AHRC NYC’s Advance & Earn program. Now, she is leading tours through an underrated jewel of the New York cultural scene.
“It’s been a learning experience being here,” Jewel said. “I love educating myself about the history of lighthouses and boat travel. I want to diversify my knowledge and experiences, and this has been a great fit for me.”
Advance & Earn “Supportive All Around”
Advance & Earn helps young people explore career and educational goals while creating a plan to achieve them. Based in Staten Island, participants receive academic instruction to prepare for TASC and GED exams, work readiness training, job placement assistance, and college counseling, working towards obtaining industry credentials and certifications. Participating community partners and businesses work together with the program to provide real-world employment opportunities.
Jewel first tried the program in September 2024 but felt she didn’t fit in at first. A conversation with Jonathon Epstein, Transition Developer, convinced her to try it again.
“Jonathon and I were on the phone for two hours and he gave me the information I needed to continue with the program,” Jewel said. She found on her second try that the program was what she was looking for.
She said, “I feel like the program is supportive all around. They really are there to help you with whatever you need. The staff members put me on to new resources that I knew was available, but I didn’t have the support to put myself out there.”
Jewel found additional support from her internship at the National Lighthouse Museum. Located on the former site of the United States Lighthouse Service’s (USLHS) General Depot in St. George, Staten Island, the National Lighthouse Museum educates visitors about the history and technology of the nation’s lighthouses.
The museum allowed Jewel to explore her interests in history and education.
“I like the museum atmosphere,” she said. “They have great mentors here. I’m not only educating myself on the history of lighthouses but working with volunteers who are passionate about this work.”
Linda Dianto, the museum’s Executive Director, spoke highly of Jewel.
“This is the first intern we’ve had [at the museum],” Linda said. “We’re very impressed—she’s a dedicated, enthusiastic individual, willing to learn new things, and I’m excited to mentor her.”
Jewel spearheaded a program for elementary school students and their parents to visit the museum on weekends to learn about its history and offerings. She hopes to teach in the future with help from the skills she’s learned with the internship and the Advance & Earn program.
“I like the classroom environment–I find it peaceful. I really love working with kids and want to continue doing that.”