The $23.5 million Desert Valleys FCU announced Thursday it hasselected not one, but two paid interns for its summer internshipprogram.

The program was made possible by an NCUA grant, said CEO Eric Bruen in a release.

The internship program at the Ridgecrest, Calif., credit unionrequires considerably more than fetching coffee and assembling newmember kits.

The three-part program provides each intern with an opportunityto gain education about the credit union system while experiencingfirst-hand the day-to-day operations of a credit union.

The first part involves a 40-course online training catalog tobe completed during the internship. The second involves directmember interaction and credit union operational involvement, andthe third part requires interns to develop a video presentation onthe program and the products and services of a credit union.

The two will present their videos at a local Rotary Club meetingand Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Jonathan Neely, a junior at California Baptist University, andChristal Hoang, a sophomore at Cerro Coso College, were selectedfor the positions and began work at the 4,000-member credit unionon June 16. Each was selected from amongst 15 applicants forthe position, Desert Valleys said.

“The best part of this program is the chance to bring in youngenergetic minds into the credit union world.” Bruen said. “Webelieve that there is so much to learn about the criticaldifferences between banks and credit unions and Jonathan andChristal are perfect examples of how this education can buildfuture generations.”

The program will run until mid-August.