As Career and Technical Education (CTE) and work-based learning programs continue to expand across the country, one question continues to surface for district leaders: What makes businesses say yes to offering internships for high school students?
In this recent SchoolDay Academy webinar, education leaders heard directly from business and district partners who are successfully building internship programs that create meaningful experiences for students while also delivering value to employers. The discussion focused on what strong partnerships actually look like in practice — from preparing students for workplace expectations to creating structures that make participation manageable and worthwhile for businesses.
Featured Industry Leaders
The panel featured leaders from across the country who have built successful internship and work-based learning models with their district partners, including:
- Rob Stuebing — discussing industry partnerships with Leyden High School District 212
- Bryan Roos — sharing experiences supporting student internships with Denver Public Schools
Webinar Themes
Throughout the webinar, panelists shared practical insight into:
- Why businesses invest time and resources into student internships
- The skills and professional behaviors students need before placement
- Common challenges that can make or break a partnership
- How districts can better prepare students for workplace success
- The importance of communication, structure, and employer support
- Examples of internship models that are working successfully today
One of the strongest themes from the conversation was that successful internship programs do not happen by accident. Businesses are far more likely to participate when districts intentionally prepare students, establish clear expectations, maintain strong communication, and treat employers as true partners in the learning process.