Internships

Students in grades 11–12 may pursue internships as part of their transition and career exploration experience, if their academic program allows. Internships can provide students with meaningful opportunities to gain real-world experience, develop workplace skills, explore areas of interest, and practice functioning in environments beyond the school setting. When appropriate, internship experiences may also be used to earn credit toward high school graduation. Students can earn 1 internship credit for 75 hours of completed work. 

Internship experiences should be well-matched to each student’s individual interests, strengths, needs, and level of readiness. Opportunities may vary from student-to-student, and participation is considered as part of each student’s individual transition planning.  

A Partnership with Families

Developing an internship is a collaborative process involving the student, family, school, and community. Families are encouraged to share professional or community connections that may offer meaningful learning opportunities for their student. Midwest Academy will also draw on relationships with organizations we have partnered with in the past while continuing to explore new opportunities as they become available. 

While we will work to identify possibilities that may be a good fit, internship placement cannot be guaranteed. We do not have a standing list of internships to offer.  Each internship is individually developed with the family as a need or interest arises. Students and families are responsible for transportation if a placement requires it.

Internships are generally one semester in length and may occur during or overlap with regular school hours. Most internships are unpaid, however a student who is employed out of school may also use their employment as an internship experience.  This will be discussed when planning the internship.  

Supporting Student Success

Once an internship opportunity is established, a faculty advisor works with the student and internship sponsor to develop and monitor individualized goals and objectives, helping students reflect on their progress, develop workplace skills, and navigate challenges as they arise.

Our goal is to help students participate in experiences that are purposeful, appropriate, and aligned with their individual goals for life after Midwest Academy. 

To discuss internship eligibility and whether an internship may be an appropriate part of a student’s transition planning, please contact Amber Krivi at [email protected].