MFG IP Workshop: Building the Future; High School Internships in Manufacturing

Learn how Brentwood Industries added a rotational internship experience in place of a traditional high school internship program to enhance the learning experience for students. 

Speakers: Alexa Wojciechowski | Kristi Bonanno

Alexa is the Community & Educational Coordinator at Brentwood Industries. She holds two degrees from Pennsylvania State University:  Master's in Human Resources and Employer Relations and Bachelor’s in Social Welfare.

As a Career Counselor and Job Developer for Penn State Berks for 20 years, Alexa has honed her skills in career services in higher education, workforce development and employer relations. She has a multifaceted mission of collaborating with high school and university level contacts to establish robust student-to-workforce pipelines for internships and full-time positions.

Alexa has a true passion for empowering the next generation of professionals, aligning perfectly with Brentwood Industries’ commitment to giving back to the communities in which they operate, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. This mission will hopefully lead to improved communication and transformation of relationships between organizations and future professionals, as well as serve as a contribution to the development of a future workforce committed to their organizations and communities in which they exist.
 

Kristi Bonanno brings over 27 years of experience in education, with a strong focus on bridging the gap between the classroom and the workforce. Currently serving as the Internship Program & School-to-Work Coordinator at Governor Mifflin High School, Kristi leads experiential learning initiatives that connect students with real-world career opportunities and industry partners. Her mission is to prepare students with the skills, mindset, and professionalism required in today’s workforce.

Prior to her work in education, Kristi worked in marketing for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, an experience that continues to inform her practical, business-savvy approach to teaching. Over the years, she has developed and implemented middle and high school Business Education and Career Readiness curriculum aligned with both state and industry standards, ensuring that students graduate with relevant, career-aligned knowledge.

Kristi is deeply committed to fostering strong education-to-industry pipelines and has been an active member of the Women2Women Council of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance for the past two years. There, she advocates for equity and access by supporting underserved populations in building meaningful professional networks. Passionate about helping students realize their full potential, Kristi is driven to connect them with purposeful post-secondary paths and empower them to become impactful contributors in their communities and industries.