From Internship to Leadership: Building careers through the Construction Internship Program

In the spring of 2024, Kaden and Autumn Zimiga signed up for Lakota Fund’s Construction Internship Program, their Lakota Funds Internship Site Manager Nicole Pourier had a hunch they were on their way to success. When their employers expressed interest in hiring them full-time even before the summer internship was over, she knew she’d been right. Two years later, Autumn and Kaden are thriving in their careers in the plumbing and HVAC field–each now supporting their families while helping to build essential infrastructure for reservation communities. 

“We are all so extremely proud of Kaden and Autumn for what they’ve accomplished–and so excited to know that the internship played an important role in their success,” said Nicole. “From day one, they were dedicated to learning and growing on the job, and that got their employer’s attention. They are really emerging as leaders in their field, and there’s nothing more rewarding than to see this younger generation take on the work of creating stronger, healthier communities here on the reservation.”

The Construction Internship Program (CIP) was created to address two critical needs facing Native communities: more housing and infrastructure development, and more meaningful employment opportunities for young people. 

Formed in partnership by the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition and Lakota Funds, CIP has operated for nearly a decade to support a new generation of Native construction leaders. CIP opens career pathways while building essential community infrastructure. 

Interns are paired with local contractors and Housing Authorities to gain valuable on-site job training. But CIP goes beyond that–providing valuable workplace training and financial education to support interns across their personal and professional lives. Interns open bank accounts with Lakota Federal Credit Union and take part in a powerful matched savings program through Lakota Funds. Boosted savings allows them to make investments in their futures: some purchase professional tools needed to advance their careers, while others use their savings for advanced education, for a downpayment on a car or a home, or for starting a business. 

Kaden and Autumn's success is a testament to the impact of the internship. From their first days with Sod's Mechanical Contracting, they committed themselves to learning on the job. They also began saving for the future. At the end of their ten-week internship, they immediately started work as full employees. And two years later, they are thriving in their careers in ways they never imagined. 

They continue to stay deeply connected to Lakota Funds as well. Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Nicole worked with them to complete their taxes and maximize their returns, so they can continue to invest in their futures.