Nipmuc Regional High School Juniors Celebrate Real-World Learning at Annual Internship Showcase

Nipmuc Regional High School recently held a Junior Internship Showcase to culminate the school’s three-week Junior Internship Program. (Photo Courtesy Mendon-Upton Regional School District)

MENDON — Superintendent Dr. Maureen Cohen and Nipmuc Regional High School Co-Principals John Clements and Mary Anne Moran are pleased to share that 40 Nipmuc Regional High School juniors recently presented the results of their hands-on, real-world learning during the school’s annual Junior Internship Showcase on Friday, June 13.

The event marked the culmination of Nipmuc’s three-week Junior Internship Program, which ran from May 27 through June 12 and offered students immersive experiences across a range of industries.

Now in its second year, the program allows juniors to explore career fields of interest — including health care, animal science, marketing, education, engineering, biotechnology and more — through full-time internships with local businesses, schools, hospitals, nonprofits and community organizations.

Students completed their academic coursework for the year by May 23 and then transitioned into their internships, where they applied classroom learning in professional environments while building key career skills.

“The internship helped increase my love and passion for psychology and counseling,” said junior Gretchen Merrill.

“My biggest takeaway is that I have a genuine interest in occupational therapy and it would be worthwhile to pursue in the future,” said junior Nora Bangma.

In addition to exploring career interests, students also gained valuable “durable skills” such as communication, independence, time management and adaptability.

One student advised future participants not to be afraid to try something new, as the experience could help them better understand what their future will be like. 

The program is coordinated by Tara Bennett, Nipmuc’s Career, Community and Innovations Coordinator, in collaboration with faculty and community partners across the Mendon-Upton region and beyond.

“The success of this program is a direct result of the strong partnerships we’ve built with local organizations and mentors who generously open their doors to our students,” said Bennett. “We are grateful for their commitment to helping our students grow, explore their passions and prepare for the future.”

The district encourages individuals and organizations interested in becoming mentors or host sites for future interns to contact Bennett at tbennett@mursd.org.

“I am so incredibly proud of our students and the passion, professionalism and growth they demonstrated during the Junior Internship Showcase,” said Superintendent Cohen. “I also have to recognize the outstanding work of Tara Bennett, who is helping our students gain invaluable experience that will serve them well beyond high school.”

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