Highlands launches summer tech internship

The Highlands School District is offering a unique summer internship for students who want to test the tech waters.

Students in grades 8 to 11 have an opportunity to shadow the district’s technology department during two separate sessions that last about 10 days each.

Positions are unpaid but Superintendent Monique Mawhinney said the goal is to eventually offer paid internships.

“This fits with our Career and Workforce Readiness program,” she said.

The CWR initiative spans all grade levels and exposes students to alternate paths after high school that include trades and entry-level employment.

Jonathan Westergom, assistant IT director, said the summer opportunity will give students hands-on experience working alongside the tech department staff.

Students might be tasked with helping to repair iPads and Chromebooks, or cleaning and cataloging district devices, he said.

Students must apply for the internship as though it were a job.

“It gives them experience and gets them comfortable with it,” Westergom said.

Applicants will be selected for brief interviews after the application process.

The first session will run June 17 to 27 and the second one will be from July 8 to 18.

Students will work from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Thursdays at the high school. Transportation will be provided.

Anyone interested should email summertech@goldenrams.com by May 24.