Student Internships Offer High School Seniors Hands-On Experience
By Elsie English
Photo Credit: Nancy Clover
The transition from high school to college is transformative and exhilarating, but inevitably challenging. This difficulty is often compounded by the limited hands-on professional experiences provided to high school students before the shift to a competitive environment where professional experiences are highly valued. In 2016, administrators at Melrose High School (MHS) recognized this lack of offered experiential learning opportunities and responded by implementing a senior internship program, a longstanding initiative that continues to shape MHS graduates.
Internships are a vital component of student success within high-level academic institutions, providing young students with an opportunity to experience an established professional environment, learn from peers and mentors, and develop the skills necessary to accomplish career-driven goals. While internships and similar programs are commonly promoted by universities and student-seeking organizations, programs at the high school level are unique.
This distinctive opportunity was first implemented at MHS just over 10 years ago, yet the program has rapidly expanded to include more students. In 2023 internships became a grade-wide requirement during the final months of the school year, while in years previous, only a select few students were authorized to take advantage of the opportunity.
In an interview, MHS assistant principal Brian Corrigan represented internships as an “opportunity for students to explore careers, passions, hobbies, and special interests they may want to pursue in college and as a career.” Corrigan included another benefit of the internship program is that it “provides an opportunity for us to catch students who aren’t at graduation standards and give them makeup time.”
Melrose students in the class of 2026 started their first day as interns on April 6th and their time will conclude on May 19th. However, students are not fully exempt from their academic responsibilities, as AP (advanced placement) classes continue until their scheduled exam dates. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to attend class for the full period while also maintaining their internship commitments outside of those class hours.
Senior students report difficulty in staying focused on school during the final stretch of the academic year and that internships provide a stimulating outlet.
“My internship has been a breath of fresh air from the busy senior lifestyle.” MHS student Ella Cibene says. Ella has been working with her mom who runs a childcare business from their home, helping to entertain and supervise the children. Cibene claims that while the schedule is “convenient and flexible, it’s hard work and shows me how difficult my mom’s job can be.”
Seniors can choose from three internship pathways: internal, external, or a service/cultural program.
Those who opt for an internal internship work under the guidance of a Melrose Public Schools staff member. This option is especially popular among students with demanding course loads, as it allows for a smoother transition between internship responsibilities and academic classes.
For senior Madeline Gomila-Mattei, this was the clear choice; she has been working with her own former history teacher Mr. Pennachio while managing five AP classes. Reflecting on balancing such a rigorous schedule, Gomilla-Mattei explained that her internship is “something I am passionate about, so it doesn’t feel like it's taking away from my time.” Madeline has found a meaningful role in the classroom, supporting underclassmen who are in the same position she was in just a few years ago and effectively serving as a “teachers aid” by reading student papers and providing feedback, running errands, and helping to answer questions whenever appropriate.
External internships constitute a student who identifies and enlists with a business or organization outside of Melrose Public Schools for an internship. Many students take this opportunity to explore an area that is related to their future career or academic pathway.
Senior Adele Akland, who will be majoring in Environmental Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst next year chose to intern with the environmental outreach coordinator within the Department of Public Works (DPW). This opportunity provided Akland with insight into a potential future career path and exposure to working alongside experienced professionals in her field of interest.
Melrose High’s internship program continues to stimulate seniors who are ready to explore their passions outside of the classroom, and achieve an experience many of their future classmates will lack.
Elsie English is a senior at Melrose High School. She is interning with The Melrose Messenger this spring.
