New Canaan High School’s hugely popular program that places students in local and area businesses and organizations for an internship for the last few weeks of their senior year is seeking host sites.
The Senior Internship Program or ‘SIP’ is set to run next May 18 to June 18.
We connected with the SIP coordinator, Kelly Delmazio, to get some information on the program and for prospective host businesses and organizations.
Here’s our exchange.
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New Canaanite: How many students are expected to participate in this academic year’s Senior Internship Program?
Kelly Delmazio: Just over 300 seniors.
If the program doesn’t run until next May-June, what is the reason you are seeking to lock down host sites now?
Although the internships don’t begin until May, we start recruiting host sites in the fall so we can have a strong variety of opportunities ready for students when they complete their applications in early December. At that point, students are able to read through the available internship opportunities and identify those that align with their interests. Students then participate in an interview process, which helps us make thoughtful placements based on both student interest and the needs of our host organizations.
With nearly 300 seniors participating, starting the process early also gives us time to identify areas where we need additional opportunities and continue recruiting in those fields. Our goal is to offer a wide range of meaningful experiences so that every student has the opportunity to explore an area that interests them.
What would you tell a prospective host company or organization about the upsides of taking on a SIP intern or interns?
Our students bring enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to learn, and they can also provide meaningful help to an organization during their internship. We encourage hosts to involve students in real projects, meetings and day-to-day work so they leave with an authentic understanding of the field.
There is also a tremendous workforce-development benefit. Last year, 77 of our students were either offered summer employment or invited to continue working with their internship site during the school year. That tells us these experiences can become much more than a four-week internship. Employers are getting an early opportunity to meet talented young people, while students are beginning to build professional skills, relationships and networks right here in our community.
How do host sites apply or get more information about SIP?
Reach out to me, Senior Internship Coordinator Kelly DelMazio via email at kelly.delmazio@ncps-k12.org or 203.594.4752. Additional information on our SIP website.
This program in less than 20 years has grown from a relatively small group of self-selecting seniors to a nearly 100% participation rate among the graduating NCHS class. What is the reason for its popularity, in your view?
I think the program has become so popular because students value the opportunity to gain real-world experience before they graduate. It gives them a chance to step outside the classroom and experience the professional world firsthand.
It also gives students the opportunity to explore. They may be considering a career they think they want to pursue, or they may simply be curious about a field and want the chance to experience it firsthand. An internship can confirm that interest, or help them realize it isn’t something they want to pursue at all. Both outcomes are valuable because students leave with a better understanding of themselves, their interests and the world of work.
I also think there is a culture around the program at NCHS. Students hear about the experiences of older siblings and friends, and they look forward to having their own internship senior year. Our community and host organizations have really embraced the program, which has allowed us to offer an incredible range of opportunities.
The experience also gives students skills they can take with them regardless of the career they ultimately pursue. They learn how to communicate professionally, work as part of a team, manage their time, take initiative, problem-solve and build relationships. These transferable skills give them valuable experience to add to their resumes and talk about in future interviews, helping prepare them for their next internship, summer job or other opportunity.
Ultimately, students see value in the experience. They gain confidence, professional connections and real-world experience can build upon long after the internship ends.