For a decade, Christian Brothers University students have spent their summers gaining professional experience while contributing their skills and talents to organizations serving the Memphis community.

Through CBU’s Nonprofit Internship Community Experience (N.I.C.E.) Program, students receive paid internships with nonprofit organizations, gaining firsthand experience in their fields while supporting organizations whose work makes a difference throughout the region.

As the University recognizes the program’s 10-year milestone, N.I.C.E. continues to demonstrate the connection between career preparation, community involvement, and CBU’s Lasallian commitment to service.

Established with the support of CBU alumnus Joseph “Joe” Croteau (’76) and his wife, Marcia, the N.I.C.E. program was designed to address a challenge facing both college students and nonprofit organizations.

Students often need paid employment during the summer, limiting their ability to pursue unpaid internships. Meanwhile, nonprofit organizations working with limited budgets may lack the resources to bring on additional staff. N.I.C.E. bridges that gap by providing paid internship opportunities for students at no cost to participating nonprofit organizations.

Joe Croteau, who was recognized as CBU’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus, and his wife, Marcia, continue to support the program annually, helping create opportunities for students to develop professionally while contributing to the community.

Through CBU’s Office of Career Services, students are matched with organizations where they can apply their academic knowledge, explore career interests, and develop relationships with professionals throughout Memphis.

The program’s impact continues to be reflected in the experiences of its participating students.

During the summer of 2026, 19 students completed internships across the Memphis area, working 160 hours at organizations spanning the arts, education, healthcare, community development, and public service.

Participating organizations included ArtsMemphis, CodeCrew, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Memphis Area Legal Services, Overton Park Shell, WKNO, and several others.

Alongside their internships, students participated in professional development and reflection sessions focused on servant leadership, personal values, financial decision-making, and the Lasallian educational tradition.

The experience provided students with opportunities to consider how their skills and interests could serve both their professional goals and the broader community.

According to the program’s 2026 assessment, 100% of student survey respondents reported feeling more career-ready after completing their internships, while 92.86% said they had gained a better understanding of their career field.

One student, reflecting on an internship with Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, shared:

“Instead of doing busywork, you help improve low-income housing to make it safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient.”

Over the years, the program has introduced students to diverse organizations and career possibilities while strengthening relationships between CBU and the community it serves.

In 2021, for example, 33 students were matched with organizations across the Mid-South and beyond. Their projects ranged from accounting and technology development to fundraising and community outreach.

For some students, those opportunities helped clarify their career interests. Others discovered new ways to apply their academic backgrounds or formed professional relationships that extended beyond their summer placements.

The program also reflects the University’s investment in experiential learning, encouraging students to develop the knowledge, confidence, and sense of responsibility they will carry into their careers.

As N.I.C.E. marks this milestone, its continued work reflects a commitment shared by its founding supporters, participating nonprofits, and the CBU community: helping students prepare for their futures while making meaningful contributions to others’ lives.

That commitment remains central to CBU’s mission to Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.