Story by: Nancy Bonds, GCCISD Director of Communications
Goose Creek CISD and Lee College Launch HVAC Internship Partnership to Build Local Workforce Pipeline
Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) and Lee College are strengthening their commitment to workforce development through a new HVAC internship partnership that provides students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences while supporting the district’s facilities and maintenance operations.
Pictured, back row from left, Ricky Parker, GCCISD HVAC Tech; Clint Kubitz, GCCISD HVAC Tech; Kami Johnston, GCCISD CTE Business and Community Partnership Facilitator; Nick Ariel Gonzalez, GCCISD HVAC Tech; Brian Anderson, GCCISD Mechanical Supervisor; Kevin Gene Collinsworth, GCCISD Mechanical Foreman; and Michael Rasmussen, GCCISD Director of Maintenance. Front row, from left, Lakelya Bright-Haynes, Lee College Work-Based Learning Director; Nicholas Hernandez, Lee College HVAC intern student; Robert Hamilton, Lee College HVAC instructor; Kevin Camese Jr., Lee College HVAC intern student; Renita Price, Lee College Work-Based Learning Program Manager; Anyelo Acosta, GCCISD HVAC tech; and Anthony Price, GCCISD Assistant Superintendent of Operations Service. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.
The five-week internship program, developed in collaboration with Lee College and GCCISD’s Maintenance and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teams, recently celebrated the successful completion of its first two student interns, Nicholas Hernandez and Kevin Camese.
Through the partnership, students gain practical experience working alongside industry professionals and apply classroom instruction in real-world commercial settings.
“Through the partnership between Lee College and Goose Creek CISD, students gain meaningful, real-world experience that brings their skills to life,” said Renita Price, Program Manager for Work-Based Learning at Lee College’s McNair Center. “This collaboration supports Lee College’s commitment to creating an ideal student experience and Goose Creek CISD’s mission to develop the whole child. Together, we are growing giants.”
Intern Nicholas Hernandez shared that the opportunity allowed him to expand his skills beyond residential work.
“It was a great learning opportunity,” Hernandez said. “We were hands-on and exposed to all aspects of HVAC, including commercial systems, not just residential. It really helped connect what we learned in class to real-world work.”
Kevin Camese became the first student to complete the internship, earning strong recommendations from both Lee College and Goose Creek CISD staff.
“Kevin showed dedication, a strong work ethic, and a real eagerness to learn,” Price said. “He was highly recommended and took full advantage of the opportunity.”
According to Mike Rasmussen, Director of Maintenance for Goose Creek CISD, the internship program has been years in the making.
“This five-week program with Lee College represents something we’ve been working toward for a long time,” Rasmussen said. “These were the first two students to complete the internship, and it was exciting to see it come together through our partnership with Renita, Lee College, and our CTE team. Looking ahead, this program will focus on current students of Goose Creek CISD. We have excellent technicians who are eager to train the next generation.”
GCCISD and Lee College are already exploring opportunities to expand the partnership to include additional skilled trades, such as electrician and plumbing programs.
Lee College HVAC instructor Robert Hamilton, who has more than 10 years of industry experience and began teaching in August 2024, said the internship experience brought everything full circle.
“Giving back to students feels full circle for me,” Hamilton said. “The program went really well, and internships are something you truly have to live to understand. The feedback has been strong for both the program and the internship experience. Nicholas and Kevin were top candidates from their classes, and I confidently recommended them.”
The HVAC internship partnership reflects a shared commitment between Goose Creek CISD and Lee College to prepare students for high-demand careers while strengthening the local workforce.