CastleOak plays a broader role in the communities in which we and our clients live and work beyond what we deliver through our core business activities. We do this through educational and professional development, community investment programs and the direct efforts of our employees. By aligning our educational and community investment strategies to our skills and experience as a company, the positive impact of our activity is much more than just a financial contribution. Since inception of the firm, CastleOak has donated approximately $2.8 million in charitable contributions and sponsorships. We are proud of our partnerships with organizations whose missions align with our values and desire to be a positive catalyst for change within the communities we serve.
Our annual summer internship program has become a flagship program for us. We provide a comprehensive banking or sales & trading experience to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as workplace exposure for high school students. The program teaches a number of professional skills, including teamwork, how to interview, working in a professional environment, delivering on job responsibilities, and client relationship development. We are very proud to say that our former interns have gone on to do incredible things, both on Wall Street and beyond.