Internships can be an invaluable chance for high school students to gain hands-on experience, explore career paths, and build their resumes. With summer approaching, many teens in Portland may be wondering where they can find opportunities to intern. Fortunately, there are several programs available that offer internships for high school students.
StandOut Connect is a program backed by The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Innovation that matches high school students with paid internships in their area of interest. StandOut Connect is a remote program, meaning students can participate from anywhere. This program is a great option for students who are unable to commute to an internship site or who are interested in gaining experience in a field that is not readily available in their area.
The Invention Bootcamp is a four-week intensive educational experience aimed at high school students from historically underserved and underrepresented populations. The program teaches students basic skills to design, develop, and create a prototype by completing class-wide projects and later applying those skills to create their own inventions. The Invention Bootcamp is a great option for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
The Haggerty Scholars Program aims to give high school juniors a chance to participate in Oregon’s legal and civic community. Through guest speakers, field trips, and research projects, students can gain a deeper understanding of the legal system and civic engagement. This program is ideal for those who aspire to a career in law or want to learn more about the legal system.
The Science Squad internship program at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is designed to provide teens with an opportunity to develop soft skills such as communication, leadership, and job readiness, which are valuable for any future job. This program was created to give teenagers a chance to obtain practical museum experience while also learning important skills that will be useful in any future employment. Students who want to work in museums, teaching, or other sectors that value leadership and excellent communication abilities may choose the Science Squad internship program.
Finally, the City of Portland Cadet Program, offered by Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R), aims to introduce young people between the ages of 16 and 20 to the fire service career and professional advancement opportunities. This program provides hands-on experience in firefighting, emergency medical services, and technical rescue and also offers opportunities for leadership development and community service. If you’re looking to further a career in fire service or improve your leadership and teamwork skills, the Cadet Program is an excellent choice for you.
Whether students are interested in STEM fields, law, museums, or firefighting, there is an internship program available to help them gain hands-on experience and develop valuable skills. As summer approaches, high school students in Portland should take advantage of these opportunities and explore the internship programs that are available to them.
