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Springfield, Ohio — Ashley Manson admits she spent her first three years at school in the Wittenberg bubble.

A summer internship has opened her eyes to Springfield and what it has to offer.

"I've totally changed my perception of Springfield," Manson said. "I'm considering living here after I graduate."

Wittenberg University, the city and other organizations teamed up for the Springfield Summer Internship Program.

It's a way for Wittenberg to integrate more with the city, said Karen Reynolds, director of WittPath Career Services.

"Students need to know more about this greater community they're a part of," she said.

They have individual and team projects aimed at raising awareness of the community with students and residents.

Manson is creating a pamphlet on planning downtown events for Center City Association and a presentation on its 10th anniversary.

Aubrey Herbst is drafting a neighborhood services guide for the city.

Ben Adams is making a brochure on everything the National Trail Parks and Recreation District offers.

Brian Schubert is coordinating the assignments, including group projects — a Springfield pride marketing campaign and activities fair on what's available in the community from entertainment to restaurants.

"We don't want students to get to their senior year and finding things and realizing they can't take advantage of them," he said.

Taylor Hafley and Matthew McDonald are working with Aspire P-16 and United Way on a database of after-school and educational programs.

The interns participated in an orientation that included a cross-section of the city, from pastors to company presidents to neighborhood residents.

The students will present their projects and recommendations on July 31.

Bryan Heck, executive assistant to the city manager, said the internships have been a great partnership.

"I hope they have this prideful spirit built into them that they can take to their classmates," he said.

Mayor Warren Copeland, also a Wittenberg professor, said the city and university need each other.

"I hope this is the first step toward a lot more cooperative effort between the city and Wittenberg," he said.

Contact this reporter at 937-328-0363 or at ssommer@coxohio.com