Boreal Community Media caught up with David Blackburn, a local Cook County graduate and one of our first technology interns to see where he is now in life.  We are happy to share, with David's blessing, the following update:

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison this May with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Computer Science.  I am so happy to have completed my schooling in a field that I genuinely love.  I am still living in Madison and my girlfriend and I am planning on living here for the foreseeable future.  It's a great city with enough access to lakes and woods to remind me somewhat of home.  I received a job offer yesterday for a company in nearby Verona as a full stack software developer that I will be happily taking. My future plans are to progress my software development skills at this new job and eventually get a fully remote position so that I can work from anywhere.  That way I have more time to visit Grand Marais and to see new places.

I never forget my time working with Boreal. It was a main talking point during my job interviews. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I was provided to learn and develop my tech and people skills with the Boreal community. 

In reflecting on years as a Boreal Technology Intern working with members of the community, David said, "Thank you for everything, Boreal.  You provided me with so much opportunity and I am am so so so grateful."

Boreal Community Media is so proud of David and his accomplishments. In 2017, Boreal implemented the Boreal Technology Internship program with grant funding from the Lloyd K. Foundation, Arrowhead Cooperative, and the Cook County Community fund.  Over the years Boreal has hired local youth to provide technology support to Boreal customers and the community.  We are proud to say that we have given over six local youth paid, hands-on tech support opportunities over the years.  To learn about where you can go for free tech support over the summer at The Hub, follow this link.