Reflections on Pre-ETS Summer Internships

Each year, our Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services) summer internships give high school students the chance to explore different experiences, build workplace skills, and gain confidence on the job. For many, it’s their very first step into the working world, which makes every opportunity especially meaningful. 

Summer Internships by the Numbers 

• 17 interns 

• 251 internship hours 

• 4 internship sites 

• $3,701 earned by the students 

Summer Internships by the Experiences 

A group of students from Swampscott supported Triangle’s Compliance and Integrity Department by creating information packets. This project gave them the chance to put their skills into practice and see their work put to use. 

Through our partnership with Piers Park Sailing Center, one student spent the summer helping with camp programs. The internship tied in perfectly with future plans to study environmental science and gave them the chance to build skills while doing something hands-on and meaningful. 

Through our project with Eversource, students assembled thousands of bead kits for younger learners. A returning intern who had previous experience with the project earned a leadership role this summer. She guided her peers, supported quality checks, and still jumped in to help with the work, which was a great way for her to keep building confidence and skills. 

Another student worked as a para in their school’s extended year program and shared this reflection: 

“Thank you for the opportunity that the program and school gave me. I am incredibly grateful for the staff’s support and their patience with me as this was my second job. The staff was welcoming and exceptionally helpful with showing how the job is done. There was not a day in this job where I didn’t have a good experience. During a summer where I tried to improve myself, this job was instrumental. It gave me the chance to grow as a student and professionally. Not only was the job an amazing experience, it gave me a preview of what to expect in work life. All in all, this internship ended up being a wonderful experience, helping me learn, improve, and adapt to being in the workforce.” 

This summer showed just how much students can accomplish when they’re given the chance. It was great to see the skills they built, the confidence they gained, and the partnerships strengthened along the way. We’re looking forward to future internships.