Build your Future while Honoring your Roots
Submitted by Seneca Holdings
As winter settles in and the new year approaches, college students across the country begin planning for summer—often with internships in mind. But for Native students, the right opportunity can mean more than a line on a resume. It can be a chance to gain real-world experience while staying connected to culture and community.
Now entering its fourth year, Seneca Holdings’ Native American Internship Program (NAIP) offers exactly that. Designed to prepare students for professional careers while honoring their ties to the Seneca Nation, the program blends hands-on work, structured mentorship, and cultural grounding. The goal: equip interns not just for a first job, but for leadership and long-term success.
“Everything we do at Seneca Holdings is to build a better future for the Seventh Generation,” said Jeff Ellis, CEO of Seneca Holdings. “Our internship program is designed to prepare interns to enter the workforce and see up close how their work can go beyond transactional to directly contributing to the economic self-sufficiency and well-being of the Seneca Nation.”
From Job Shadowing to Real-World Impact
Every year Seneca Holdings has improved and expanded the internship program so that it is now a robust, immersive program. Today, interns spend four days a week embedded in their assigned department (based on their interest), working on real projects and collaborating with teams. One day each week is dedicated to professional development, career readiness and leadership skills.
“Our goal has always been to give interns meaningful work that helps them focus on a career,” said Rosie Lepsch, who as manager of employee experience at Seneca Holdings leads the program. “We want these students to complete the internship knowing they have made a real contribution and gained experience they can confidently talk about in any interview.”
Interns also gain insight into how Seneca Holdings supports the Nation, with development days featuring cultural discussions, networking, and conversations about life after college.
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on mentorship. Each year, the structure is refined to maximize the extent to which interns feel supported, integrated and empowered.
“Interning at Seneca Holdings was an amazing experience,” said former intern, Jillian Rea. “The mentorship and support from the team helped me grow so much, both in my career and as a person. It felt great to build my skills while having fun and giving back to my community.”
Seneca Holdings’ Management Committee members also engage with interns during development days, reinforcing cultural connections and the importance of the Nation’s values in business.
Success Stories That Continue to Grow
The program’s true success is measured by the growth of its participants. Whether they have transitioned into full-time roles or returned to finish their studies, alumni credit the Seneca Holdings experience with accelerating their professional journeys.
In 2024, James Cox, now an operations coordinator with Seneca Holdings’ federal contracting business, joined full time after his internship.
“Being hired was a fulfilling moment for me,” Cox said. “I had the support of my superiors, mentors, and fellow interns from the very beginning. I was immediately empowered to seek out expertise and training in my areas of interest. I never felt temporary, I always felt like part of the team.”
Another alum, Caryn Miller, a Syracuse University graduate, now serves as a digital communications coordinator. She manages social media, oversees website updates and leads event photography. Finding a workplace rooted in purpose and collaboration was what drew her back to Seneca Holdings for a full-time position.
“The inclusive culture at Seneca Holdings is a bonus,” said Miller. “Through the internship program, I explored multiple disciplines and gained a holistic understanding of how organizations operate. That perspective continues to guide my career.”
More Than an Internship
Beyond work assignments, interns take part in site visits, including trips to the National Museum of the American Indian and the Small Business Administration headquarters in Washington, D.C., seeing firsthand how the Seneca Holdings team makes an impact. A weekly newsletter and dedicated intranet site help build community and celebrate accomplishments of the interns, while informal connections often turn into lasting friendships.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open. Seneca Holdings encourages young Senecas and their families to learn more and share this opportunity within their communities. The program welcomes students at all stages of their college journey, whether exploring career options or preparing for graduation.
For Seneca Holdings, the mission remains clear: create meaningful opportunities, honor cultural connections, and help the next generation of Native American professionals thrive.
Learn more and apply at NAIP site:
(Refer to the QR code above OR click HERE!)
