Why Internship?
"Adult World Connection" is a core design principle at High Tech High. Students at all grade levels make connections with the outside world, but in 11th grade students are part of the adult world as they work full-time as interns in professional organizations. These internship sites are diverse, and past experiences have included work in biology labs, nonprofit organizations, internet start-ups, architecture firms, and other schools. Students are expected to work onsite with a mentor and design a project that benefits the organization.
Program Features
Logistics
If you have any other logistical questions, please contact Tom Gaines, Internship Coordinator.
"Adult World Connection" is a core design principle at High Tech High. Students at all grade levels make connections with the outside world, but in 11th grade students are part of the adult world as they work full-time as interns in professional organizations. These internship sites are diverse, and past experiences have included work in biology labs, nonprofit organizations, internet start-ups, architecture firms, and other schools. Students are expected to work onsite with a mentor and design a project that benefits the organization.
Program Features
- All High Tech High juniors are required to complete an internship in business or agency. The internship consists of a four-week, full-time immersion at the worksite, concluding with the intern’s Presentation of Learning. Students receive credit for successfully completing their internship and related course work.
- Each student is paired with a workplace mentor who understands and supports the goals of the program. Mentors communicate regularly with the HTH Internship coordinator about student progress, attendance, and project development. Mentors hold a Bachelor's Degree or higher and understand and support the goals of the program. Mentors communicate regularly with the student's internship coordinator to discuss student progress, attendance, and project development. HTH teachers also visit the worksite to check-in and offer support.
- The "Intern Project"Each student is paired with an on-site mentor who holds a Bachelor's Degree or higher and understands and supports the goals of the program. Mentors communicate regularly with the HTH Internship coordinator about student progress, attendance, and project development. During the four-week immersion, HTH 11th grade teachers visit the worksites to check in and offer support.
- All interns develop a substantial project (or multiple projects) with the mentor. This project should make a meaningful contribution to the organization.
- Near the end of the internship, each intern gives a Presentation of Learning to a panel of mentors and other site employees. This culminating event celebrates the student’s accomplishments and offers an occasion for reflection and critique.
- The site experience is supported by a class taught at High Tech High North County, in which students prepare for and reflect on their internship experiences. Intern assignments include mentor interviews, photojournalism, creation of an internship portfolio, project proposals, and regular reflection on growth and progress on a blog.
- Work for the equivalent of four weeks, five days a week, six or more hours a day.
- Design (with your mentor) and complete a project that benefits the organization for which you are working.
- Complete your blog assignments on time (including commenting on your peers' blog posts).
- Complete your Photo Essay.
Logistics
- 2023 Internship dates: In 2023, internships last for four weeks from Monday, May 8th to Friday, June 9th.
- Insurance: Interns are covered by HTH liability insurance while on-site or participating in any activity related to their internship.
- Pay: Internships are unpaid. Interns may be paid after internship hours, after school, or in the summer at the mentor's discretion. Donations are accepted to the program for transportation and other expenses.
- Transportation: Transportation will be provided either by the student’s own car, a HTH shuttle, public transportation, or a parent.
If you have any other logistical questions, please contact Tom Gaines, Internship Coordinator.