USD 232’s internship program has seen a surge in student participation this year, offering more real-world experiences than ever before. This semester, 22 high school students were placed in professional settings across the community in a wide range of career pathway areas, including construction and architecture, law and legal (human services pathway), education, programming and software development, engineering, business finance (business administration and realty), and bioscience.

Students have had the opportunity to learn alongside professionals at organizations such as KU Med, Incite Design, Oracle, Huhtamaki, AutoZone, Lamp Rynearson, and many more. These placements allow students to apply their classroom learning in authentic environments, further developing their skills and understanding of their chosen career fields.

The momentum continues to grow—already, 42 students have met with Dr. Ceresa Schaffer to secure internship placements for the upcoming semester.

Student Spotlights

Ainslie Belt is interning at Lawson Law Offices in Overland Park, where she has gained hands-on experience in the legal field. She has observed client meetings, assisted a paralegal with reviewing transcripts, prepared court documents, and organized hearing dates. Ainslie has not only expanded her knowledge of the professional environment but has also built a strong foundation in the specialized vocabulary and practices of the legal field.

Gabe Hilker is working at Chick-fil-A in Shawnee, where his career interests in management and leadership are being nurtured. Gabe was invited into the company’s internship management program after demonstrating initiative and commitment to growth. Through mentorship from his manager and the franchise owner, Gabe is learning firsthand what it takes to lead a successful business. His opportunities reflect both his personal drive and the value of USD 232’s internship program.

Impact of Internships

Internships serve as a bridge between high school coursework and post-secondary success. They extend learning beyond the classroom, helping students determine whether their intended career path is right for them while building professional skills that prepare them for the future.

USD 232 is proud to partner with community businesses and organizations that are investing in students’ futures. With a record number of students already preparing for internships next semester, the program is poised to continue shaping meaningful experiences that connect education to career success.