Summer 2025 Intern Joseph Kramer
From May through August, I had the incredible privilege of working as a summer intern at the Corey C. Griffin Foundation. This experience was more than just an internship, it was an opportunity to contribute to a mission that I have long admired and to be part of a team that truly embodies the values of service, generosity, and community.
My connection with the Corey C. Griffin Foundation goes back years. For my senior project at Thayer Academy, I organized the first-ever 3v3 Thayer hockey tournament to raise funds for the foundation that has now become an annual event, and later, I launched a cornhole tournament at Babson College, with all proceeds going to support its mission. When the chance to intern with the foundation arose, it was a no-brainer for me.
Even though I never had the chance to meet Corey, I have always felt a deep connection to him through our shared paths as hockey players at both Thayer Academy and Babson College. You can feel the legacy he left behind at both places, with his spirit of leadership, kindness, and passion is evident in the lives he touched and the opportunities he created for others.
What drew me to the foundation is its unwavering commitment to empowering Boston-area youth. Through partnerships with high-impact organizations, the foundation invests in programs focused on education, healthcare, and character-building, ensuring that children from all walks of life have the resources, confidence, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. I’ve always admired how the foundation takes Corey’s vision and translates it into real, meaningful change for so many families.
One of my favorite parts of this internship was meeting the foundation’s program partners and hearing their inspiring stories. I’ll never forget visiting Father O’Brien at Lawrence Catholic Academy and learning about the new school being built thanks to the foundation’s support. Another highlight was meeting with the team at Boston Children’s Hospital and hearing about the new Corey House, which will provide a home away from home for families of children receiving treatment. I also had the chance to connect with the dedicated staff at The Achieve Program as well as sit down with Paul and Erich at My Brother’s Keeper. Visiting the team at the Campaign for Catholic Schools and learning about their incredible work to strengthen Catholic education was equally inspiring. Each of these conversations gave me a deeper appreciation for the foundation’s reach and the lives it transforms.
Seeing firsthand the incredible work the foundation does, and the passion of each of its dedicated Board Members and Emerging Leaders Council was truly eye-opening. This organization is not only changing lives today but is building a lasting legacy of hope and opportunity for future generations.
As I wrap up my internship, I am excited to see where the Corey C. Griffin Foundation will go in the coming years. I look forward to supporting and attending its amazing events, such as CoreyFest and the Boston Winter Ball, which bring people together for a cause that matters.
I want to give my deepest thanks to the Griffin family, Chandra, and the entire team at the Corey C. Griffin Foundation for welcoming me and allowing me to be part of such an extraordinary organization that continues to turn love into action every single day. This experience has not only deepened my appreciation for Corey’s legacy but has also inspired me to carry forward his example of living with purpose, passion, and generosity in everything I do.