One of the most popular programs at New Canaan High School is seeking local business to place seniors for about three weeks next spring.
In 15 years, the NCHS Senior Internship Program has grown from a handful of student participants to 98% of the entire graduating class. From approximately mid-May through mid-June, NCHS seniors participate in unpaid internships with local businesses and organizations (typically during school hours, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), earning academic credit.
The host sites that take in one or more students “consistently tell us that our interns bring fresh energy, curiosity, and creativity to their workplace,” according to Kelly DelMazio, senior internship coordinator at NCHS.
She added: “They appreciate the extra support on projects and are impressed by the professionalism and skills our students demonstrate.”
Seniors complete 80 hours of work, and host sites report positive experiences, with 97% saying they were satisfied with their interns’ contributions last year. The host sites range from one-person operations to large companies within a 30-mile radius of New Canaan. (This year, areas of special interest include computer science, finance, healthcare sciences, and law.)
Asked what’s behind the popularity of the program for NCHS seniors, DelMazio said they “see it as an opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the real world, where they can apply their skills, explore potential careers, and make valuable connections.”
“It’s a chance to test out what excites them and sometimes what doesn’t before they head off to college or other next steps,” she said. “With many positive stories passed down from one class to the next, it’s become a tradition that nearly every senior looks forward to.”
One of those recently graduating seniors, Brooke Gusitsch (NCHS ‘25) said that she was unsure about what type of career to pursue and that her experience as a lifestyle marketing and social media intern at HEI Hotels “ opened my eyes to a field I had never considered before and gave me confidence to start exploring different career paths.”
“In my role, I was able to help with projects that assisted hotels across the country. I also took on tasks that challenged me to be more independent, organized, and resourceful,” Gusitsch said. “By the end of my internship I walked away not only with new skills but also a clearer sense of direction in my future.”
Registration is open through Nov. 3. To learn more or to sign up as a host, visit the NCHS SIP website or contact Kelly DelMazio, Senior Internship Coordinator, at Kelly.DelMazio@ncps-k12.org or 203-594-4752.