UWG Graduate Student Speaks on Coweta CASA Internship Share this page
At the University of West Georgia, every student’s academic journey opens doors to meaningful, real-world experiences that prepare them for success beyond the classroom. For graduate student Jade Renfroe, that journey led to an impactful internship with Coweta CASA, where she put her passion for criminal justice into practice.
Coweta CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a nonprofit organization that thrives to protect abused and neglected children of Coweta County. Since the children are involved in judicial court proceedings, it aligned with Renfroe’s interest with the criminal justice system. By taking on the internship, she was able to learn more about the environment of Coweta CASA and the organization’s support that helped shape the children’s lives.
“I really enjoy learning about people’s stories and hearing their experiences,” Renfroe said. “I feel like I have gained priceless and professional experiences that I would have never learned in any kind of job I could have at this point in my life.”
During her college journey, Renfroe always had a sincere interest in criminal justice. She enjoyed learning about how the system operates and the many functions that create the world of judiciary. Her responsibilities reflect her interests. She’s involved in activity planning, attending court and meeting with the director.
One of the most inspiring moments that Renfroe experienced influenced her decision to pursue a start-up company.
“I feel like working with nonprofits has kind of molded the idea into something I would have never considered if I hadn’t met the people who make everything work,” she shared.
As of now, Renfroe is pursuing her master’s in psychology, which she feels has also played a part in the work that she has done for Coweta CASA. Following the completion of her master’s degree, her dream is to work for the federal government and to continue the path of establishing her start-up company.
“Professionally, I don’t know if I would want to pursue nonprofit work, but in the future, I feel like I would enjoy working with them quite a bit,” Renfroe stated. “I have enjoyed my experience with this internship.”