Surf Internet, a fiber-optic internet provider serving homes and businesses in Elkhart County, Ind., is using youth apprenticeship to help students turn their interests into professional skills while supporting their education. Through its partnership with CareerWise, Surf offers high school students hands-on experience in logistics, materials management, and cross-departmental operations, preparing them for both college and career.
One standout apprentice is Season Geans, an 18-year-old Jimtown High School graduate who began her apprenticeship during junior year. Today, she balances a full college course load at St. Mary’s College with 30 hours of work per week while contributing to the behind-the-scenes operations that keep Surf running smoothly.
“I chose this apprenticeship because I wanted real experience before college,” Season said. “Working at Surf has taught me time management, organization, and how a professional workplace functions. It’s helped me figure out what I want to do for my future.”
Season’s responsibilities have grown with her skills and interests. She began focusing on inventory and material distribution but now also creates setup instructions, logs feedback forms, and helps establish new partnerships. Her supervisor, Rachel Bakunas, has been a consistent mentor, providing guidance, flexibility, and opportunities to take on new challenges.
“Season is dedicated and thoughtful,” Bakunas said. “She has grown into a professional who can manage tasks independently, support multiple teams, and take initiative. Her contributions make a real difference.”
Season’s apprenticeship nearly ended when she reached her planned end date. During an exit interview with CareerWise Elkhart County, she shared that she was considering leaving Surf for a local grocery store that offered scholarship support. Encouraged by CareerWise staff, Season decided to advocate for herself and asked Surf if similar support could be possible. The conversation led to change. With Bakunas’ help, Surf created an annual tuition reimbursement benefit.
“The tuition reimbursement makes a huge difference,” Season said. “It lets me focus on learning and gaining experience without worrying about how to pay for college. Advocating for myself helped open doors not just for me, but for future apprentices too.”
Season sees the apprenticeship as a launchpad for her long-term goals. “Eventually, I want to own my own florist shop,” she said. “Learning about operations, customer service, and organizational systems at Surf gives me insights I can use for my business in the future.”
For students exploring career paths, Season offers this advice: “Try an apprenticeship while you’re in high school. It’s a great way to learn about work, figure out what you like, and get experience that really matters.”
Season’s story shows how Surf Internet and CareerWise are proving that youth apprenticeship can develop career-ready skills and support higher education, helping young professionals s쳮d in college and the workforce.
