Since Haskell Indian Nations University formed a partnership with Pelathe Community Resource Center in July, Haskell students have been able to intern at Pelathe through HINU’s American Indian studies program for experience in their major.

In return, Pelathe has used Haskell buildings to run some community programs, such as the New Dawn Native Dancers. The internships are available to Kansas University students as well.

Anna Scarcia, a Haskell Indian Nations University senior, worked as an intern at the Pelathe Community Resource Center gift shop in December.

Anna Scarcia, a Haskell senior, interned last semester at Pelathe, 1423 Haskell Ave., and is doing work study at Pelathe this semester. Scarcia was trying to get funding for Pelathe so the nonprofit organization could pay future interns.

“I think the problem with Pelathe’s program was that it wasn’t advertised,” Scarcia said.

During her internship, Scarcia made ads and fliers for Pelathe’s fund-raisers, which Pelathe tries to have monthly. Scarcia also made application forms for internships at Pelathe.

Scarcia spread word of the internship program to her friends and classmates since the program wasn’t advertised around campus. Since the program’s formation, two Haskell students have interned at Pelathe.

Mike Tosee, instructor for the American Indian Studies program, helps Haskell students get internships at Pelathe. Tosee said he should be more proactive with giving the program’s information to students.

Tosee said Pelathe was impressed with the program’s results so far and were willing to bring in more interns, which means more work experience for more students.

“They need volunteers, so this helps both of us,” Tosee said.