Registration is open through Nov. 1 for local businesses and organizations seeking to participate in one of New Canaan’s most popular programs for high school seniors.
Some 98% of New Canaan High School’s 324 seniors are expected to participate in the internship program that runs for the last three-and-a-half weeks of the academic year.
The unpaid Senior Internship Program will see participating NCHS seniors earn .25 school credits for working 25 hours per week—typically between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.—from May 20 to June 13, 2025, organizers say.
“This brings a wonderful opportunity not only for our students but also the hosts,” Senior Internship Coordinator Kelly Delmazio told NewCanaanite.com. “It’s a win-win on both sides. The students are learning skills, they are developing and polishing soft skills as well as contributing to different organizations throughout the New Canaan and wider Fairfield County communities. It’s a win for employers because they are getting another set of hands to help them on projects. Sometimes there are projects that employers just can’t get to. Our students bring fresh ideas, great energy. They’re enthusiastic. So as we continue to expand, we want to invite employers that haven’t hosted an intern with us in the past to consider doing so.”
(Businesses in all industries are welcome to register, with growing interest in science, finance, healthcare sciences and law.)
The program has grown exponentially since its launch, with nearly every NCHS senior signing up in recent years.
Laura Budd, parent to three NCHS graduates and a regular host as executive director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce said she’s”seen firsthand what a positive impact the program has on our graduating seniors.”
“It has been a privilege to be on the Senior Internship Committee for the past seven years to see how much the program has grown,” she said. “It is really a point of pride to see so many local business owners and non profit leaders open their doors to these students, giving them such a unique opportunity.”
One such opportunity was NCHS Class of ‘24 senior Ankita Kuttichirayil’s “transformative” interning with Dr. Edward Schuster, a cardiologist at Stamford Hospital’s Tully Center.
“My favorite part of the internship was seeing different patients, being able to talk to them, and hearing Dr. Schuster’s stories,” Kuttichirayil said in a press release issued by the district. The NCHS grad is pursuing a career in medicine.
Schuster himself said he enjoyed the experience and plans to continue hosting.
“The interns are smart; they keep me on my toes and it’s fun teaching,” he said in the release. “It keeps me young and active, and I hope the program continues.”
It will.
Here’s a quick list of SIP benefits from the high school:
- Fresh Perspectives and Innovation: NCHS interns are tech-savvy and bring new perspectives to the table. Hosting an intern may help uncover creative solutions or digital strategies that could benefit your business.
- Strengthen the Community: Supporting local students not only builds stronger relationships between businesses, schools, and families but also cultivates a pipeline of local talent, helping the community thrive.
- Create a Lasting Impact: As a mentor, you play a pivotal role in shaping the career paths of young professionals. Your guidance and support during the internship will leave a lasting impact on the students’ future success.
To learn more or to sign up as a site sponsor, visit the NCHS SIP website at www.ncps-k12.org/internship or contact Kelly DelMazio, Senior Internship Coordinator, at Kelly.DelMazio@ncps-k12.org or call 203-594-4752.