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Internships for high school students are becoming increasingly popular as more students want to get ahead in their career paths and gain experience before entering college. Internships are crucial for high school students for a variety of reasons, such as identifying their career interests, acquiring useful experience, and improving their chances of getting into college.
One of the main reasons why internships are important for high school students is that they provide an opportunity to explore different career paths and gain a better understanding of what they want to pursue in the future. By working in a professional setting, students can learn about different industries, job roles, and work environments, which can help them make more informed decisions about their college majors and career paths.
If you have gone through most of your personal Rolodex with no luck, don’t sweat! Below are some top programs for your child to apply to for this summer, according to high school counselors.
1. StandOut Connect
StandOut Connect is a remote program started at The University of Chicago that matches high school students with internships in their area of interest.
2. Columbia University State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
For students in grades 7 through 12 who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine or related STEM disciplines, the State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is a great high school and college preparatory program.
3. The Apollo Theater Academy High School Internship Program
High school seniors can explore administrative, programming, and production professions in the arts and entertainment industries while working as paid interns through the Apollo Theater Academy High School Internship Program.
4. The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Urban Ecology Teen Internship
Founded in 2012, Urban Ecology Teen Internship (Urban Eco-Teens) is a paid internship for high school students that prepares them for college, stewardship, and natural resource management professions.
5. Writopia Lab
Writopia Lab is a nonprofit that fosters joy, literacy, and critical thinking in children and teens from all backgrounds through creative writing. High School interns serve as role models and provide workshop, editorial, and moral support to our six- to nine-year-old writers.
In addition to discovering their career interests, internships also provide high school students with valuable experience that can help them stand out in college applications and future job interviews. By working alongside professionals and gaining hands-on experience, students can develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management, which are highly valued by colleges and employers.
Finding internships as a high school student can be challenging, but there are several ways to increase your chances of finding a good opportunity. One effective strategy is to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn who work in your area of interest and ask if they know of any internships or opportunities available. Another strategy is to attend career fairs or networking events in your community, where you can meet with professionals and learn more about different industries and career paths.
Overall, internships can be an invaluable experience for high school students who are interested in exploring their career interests and gaining valuable experience before entering college. Students can advance in their career pathways and position themselves for success in the future by utilizing these opportunities.