SAIPAN — The Saipan Chamber of Commerce has concluded its 2025-2026 Career Pathways Internship Program, marking the end of a year that placed 92 high school juniors and seniors from Saipan, Tinian and Rota into real-world work experiences across 28 industry partners.
The program’s final End-of-Commitment Ceremony was held Saturday, March 21, at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, recognizing 20 interns from Cohort 1, who completed an 11-month commitment, and Cohort 2, who completed six- and nine-month tracks. Since launching on April 21, 2025, the program has operated across six commitment tracks, with participants completing their internships with what organizers described as strengthened confidence, practical skills and a clearer sense of their career direction.
Among the program’s outcomes was the transition of several interns into employment. Destynee Aguon, who interned at PHI Pharmacy as a pharmacy aide, was hired on following her internship. Edward Becina continued with Tupu Cane Juice after developing customer service and operational skills during his placement. Masaioshy “Masa” Sallem leveraged his culinary internship into a poke chef role at Niao’s Poke Deli LLC, and Verica He’s performance during her internship at Niao’s Poke Deli LLC led to additional opportunities with SP Dancoe & Associates.
Interns offered reflections for future participants. “Everything is going to be alright,” said Jaren Fernandez, a nine-month administrative assistant intern with the Chamber. “It may not turn out as you expect, but you’ll learn so much through the process.” Ashroy Mallik, a six-month intern with Marianas Pacific Distributors, added that the experience is worth it. “Don’t worry too much,” he said. “The supervisors and staff are there to support you.”
The Chamber credited its 28 industry partners for making the program possible, including Paradise Dental, Commonwealth Communications, NMTech, American Memorial Park, IT&E, Pacifica Insurance, the Saipan Humane Society, PHI Pharmacy, Bank of Saipan, Crowne Plaza, Coca-Cola Beverage Co. (Micronesia), Atkins Kroll Saipan and others. The Chamber also thanked the CNMI Public School System for its partnership and event volunteers Catherine Pan and Kenny Zhang.
