Nate Scott was a Youth Programs Assistant from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026, where he helped design and facilitate workshops for the A-VOYCE Malden youth. Nate is a rising junior at Tufts University studying political science and civic studies. We asked Nate to reflect on his experience interning with ACDC through Tufts’s Tisch Scholars Program.
How did you learn about ACDC and what inspired you to join us?
I learned about ACDC through Tisch Scholars, a Tisch College program at Tufts that pairs students with community-based placements. I was most interested in a role at ACDC, specifically with A-VOYCE, because it combined my interests of Asian advocacy and education with youth leadership and development.
Describe the research and/or project(s) you worked on during your internship.
One of the major projects I worked on this year was designing and leading my own workshop in March that centered on Carceral Justice & the Massachusetts Prison System. I built the curriculum and activities based on my research and involvement with TUPIT, the Tufts University Prison Initiative. Additionally, our 12 youth in the A-VOYCE Malden cohort recently completed their final project of identifying, researching, and presenting sites in their Malden community that could be the place of future ACDC placekeeping work. It was completely youth-led, and I’ve loved getting to see each of the youth step up to facilitate discussions and work effectively in their groups.
What is a skill that you’ve gained or developed through this internship?
One skill I’ve gained has been learning how to write a curriculum. By watching how Reina, the Youth Programs Associate, builds workshops and then creating my own with her help, I’ve become more confident in my skills of organizing and condensing information to teach it to others in a presentable and engaging way.
What has it been like working with the Malden community? Can you describe a favorite memory with the Malden A-VOYCE cohort?
It’s been such a joy to work with the Malden community. All the youth are driven, interesting, and have unique perspectives to share on to how to best serve their community. It’s so inspiring! One of my favorite memories was a pre-workshop bonding activity we did where we painted mini canvases and wood blocks. Everyone’s artwork was so beautiful, and we just walked around in awe of them all. I’m a terrible artist (especially when compared to them), but I felt very supported by them complimenting even my simple two-color wooden mushroom.
What has it been like working with the Youth Programs team?
Working with the YP team has been one of my favorite work experiences yet! The team is so kind and passionate, and I’ve felt welcomed since day one. I love coming into the office because it is always such a positive and exciting environment. Specifically, Reina has been a great mentor and role model for me, and I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to work so closely and learn from her this year.
What advice would you share for future Youth Programs Interns?
Get to know the youth well! I was lucky enough to read and edit a few of the seniors’ college essays, and I felt honored that they felt comfortable sharing them with me and wanted my thoughts—building strong relationships with the youth will make the work more fulfilling for you and ensure that they remember this as a wonderful experience.
What is one takeaway you have from your internship at ACDC?
Youth work matters. There is nothing more important than helping inspire and develop young leaders and being a positive influence on their lives.
