For the third consecutive year, a CSI student has been accepted into the Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship.

Irvin Ibarguen is a sophomore member of The Verrazano School, majoring in Business Marketing. Although only a sophomore, Irvin has already participated in three internships—with the publisher Simon & Schuster’s marketing department, the marketing department for the SINY non-profit organization, and the executive director’s office of Northfield Bank. He is a former member of the LAWbound program, which is designed to prepare Latino students for careers in law. He has also been extensively involved with the CSI community, particularly through his efforts to help develop The Verrazano School program, which is now in its third year. To date, Irvin has served on The Verrazano School Student Initiative and written a marketing plan for the future recruitment of potential students. In addition to these accomplishments, he has managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA. Upon graduation, he plans to attend law school and pursue a career in immigration law and advocacy for immigrant rights.

The Watson Fellowship is a three-year career-building and mentoring program that places students in paid internships for the final three summers of their college careers. Watson Fellows also have the opportunity to attend various cultural events and professional development events around the city. Recent CSI recipients of the Fellowship have included Brian Kateman and Michael Maslankowski (2009), Michael Young (2008), Alexander Perkins (2006), and Sara Butler and Hal Harris (2005).

For this summer’s internship, Irvin is considering The Scholar Rescue Fund with the International Institute of Education (IIE), Echoing Green, and DonorsChoose.org.

In order to apply for the Fellowship, students must be freshmen or sophomores, not older than 25 years old at the time of application, and U.S. citizens or green card holders. Ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate a history of academic success and community/college involvement. If you would like to learn more about this exciting opportunity, please visit the Career and Scholarship Center in Building 1A, Room 105 or call 718.982.2300.

By Geoff Hempill, PhD

CSI sophomore and Verrazano School student Irvin Ibarguen has been selected as a Watson Fellow.