Ready Set Prep Celebrates Inaugural Interns Cara Hicks and Micah Thomas
A summer of innovation, professional growth, and meaningful contributions to early childhood education
Ready Set Prep Early Learning Center proudly celebrates the successful conclusion of its inaugural internship program and the contributions of Cara Hicks of Morgan State University and Micah Thomas of Bowie State University. Throughout the summer, the two interns brought fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and valuable support to RSP’s growing initiatives, helping demonstrate how meaningful internship experiences can benefit both emerging professionals and the communities they serve.
Launched under the leadership of RSP’s Chief Information Officer, Kionne T. Abdul-Malik, the program was designed to provide college students with practical exposure to technology, education, and business management within a nonprofit early childhood organization. Rather than limiting interns to a single area of work, RSP created opportunities for them to explore multiple aspects of the organization, collaborate with leadership, and contribute to real projects.
Learning Through Meaningful Experience
During their time at RSP, Cara and Micah gained hands-on experience with digital systems, organizational operations, educational programming, and professional collaboration. Their work included supporting the Digital Literacy Initiative and AI & Me programming, exploring age-appropriate technology resources, assisting with business and administrative tasks, and contributing to projects that strengthened RSP’s daily operations and future planning.
The internship also introduced both students to the unique intersection of early childhood education and emerging technology. Through classroom observations, research, and project-based assignments, they explored how technology can be used responsibly and creatively to support young learners while maintaining the importance of hands-on experiences, play, and human connection.
Celebrating Cara Hicks
A student at Morgan State University, Cara Hicks distinguished herself through creativity, initiative, and an eagerness to learn. She consistently demonstrated a willingness to explore new ideas, take on unfamiliar assignments, and contribute innovative thinking to RSP’s projects.
Cara’s flexibility, receptiveness to feedback, and ability to turn ideas into meaningful contributions made her a valuable member of the team. Her work reflected both her personal dedication and the strong educational foundation she is developing at Morgan State University.
Celebrating Micah Thomas
Representing Bowie State University, Micah Thomas brought dependability, adaptability, and a positive approach to his internship experience. He was especially helpful in executing assigned tasks, supporting the team’s priorities, and remaining open to learning across different areas of the organization.
Micah’s willingness to assist wherever needed and his flexibility in navigating new responsibilities made him an important part of the internship program’s success. His experience at RSP provided opportunities to continue building professional confidence, initiative, and practical workplace skills.
Building a Bridge Between Education and Opportunity
RSP’s inaugural internship program represents an important step in the organization’s commitment to creating opportunities beyond traditional childcare. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit early learning center, Ready Set Prep recognizes the value of connecting higher education, workforce development, and community impact.
Through partnerships with institutions such as Morgan State University, Bowie State University, and the Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP), RSP is helping create pathways for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments while contributing to an organization with a meaningful mission.
“Cara and Micah helped us prove that an internship can be much more than a temporary placement,” said Kionne T. Abdul-Malik, RSP’s Chief Information Officer. “They brought their own strengths, perspectives, and energy into our organization, and we were able to give them meaningful experiences in return. I am proud of the work they accomplished and excited to see how they continue to grow as professionals.”
A Lasting Part of the RSP Story
Although their summer internship has come to a close, Cara and Micah’s contributions will remain part of RSP’s continued growth. Their involvement helped support the organization’s innovative programming and demonstrated the value of investing in the next generation of professionals. The contributions Cara and Micah made during their internship will also help fuel RSP’s upcoming Film Festival, an innovative celebration of storytelling and creativity featuring films inspired and created by the students themselves. Their support of Digital Literacy, AI & Me, technology research, and educational projects helped lay important groundwork for the festival’s development. As children bring their characters, ideas, and stories to life, the interns’ work will remain part of the foundation that makes this unique experience possible. The Film Festival reflects RSP’s belief that young children are not simply consumers of technology, but imaginative creators whose voices and ideas deserve to be celebrated.
Ready Set Prep extends its sincere appreciation to both interns, their universities, and MTIP for helping make the inaugural program a success. As RSP continues to expand its educational initiatives and community partnerships, the organization looks forward to creating additional internship opportunities that connect learning, leadership, and real-world impact.
Congratulations, Cara and Micah, and thank you for being part of RSP’s first internship cohort. We wish you continued success in your academic and professional journeys, and you will always be part of the Ready Set Prep family.
Ready Set Prep Early Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to high-quality early childhood education, innovative learning experiences, and meaningful opportunities for children, families, and the community.
