07/30/2026
This summer, we hosted our first high school student through EXP The Opportunity Engine‘s Summer Internship Program! ☀️ A Southern California native, Payton is going into her senior year at San Pedro High School. She is also taking dual enrollment classes at LA Harbor College, where she is focused on fulfilling the prerequisites for nursing programs.
Payton says she wants to earn a Bachelor’s degree in nursing because of her deep compassion for others and her strong belief in the healing properties of human connection. ❤️🩹 She saw this impact first-hand when her baby brother was in the NICU, and she realized what a huge difference she can make.
This summer, she had the opportunity to shadow various clinical roles at CDHC, while also using her background in fundraising and marketing to support the Advancement Department. 💌 As an active member of multiple school clubs, she has developed fundraising ideas and brought them to fruition. During her time at CDHC, she assisted before, during and after special community events, while honing her relationship building and presentation skills.
When she’s not focused on school, Payton says she can often be found at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor getting help as she prepares for college season. She has also gotten help with that from our college intern, who was in her same shoes not long ago! 🙌
