Developing Skills and Shaping Futures through High School Internships

“This internship has prepared me for the real-world more than anything,” writes Sophie Russell, an 11th grade Swink student participating in the Santa Fe Trail BOCES and Pathway to Prosperity High School Internship Program. Since January 29, 2019, Sophie has served as a legal intern at Colorado Legal Services under the wing of supervisor Erin Harris.

Sophie’s work in the office has provided her with a plethora of experiences from which she has gained exposure to many areas of law. From observing and reflecting upon court cases to having meaningful one-on-one interactions with clients, Sophie has begun to develop the skills she’ll need to succeed in her future academic and professional endeavors: familiarizing herself with the legal vernacular, honing her research skills, and becoming more comfortable with working with clients. Sophie has already noticed the value and impact of these newly developed skills in her high school classes.

In addition to gaining relevant work experience that allows her to help members of her community, Sophie lists the relationships that she has built with her office mentors, Erin and Cynthia, as some of her favorite aspects of the internship experience. Those strong relationships, coupled with her daily office responsibilities, have helped to further shape Sophie’s plans in this career pathway. She says that “Being an intern here has solidified to me that going to law school is in my future,” and is even considering interning with the practice again upon completing her current internship term.

Internship experiences like Sophie’s demonstrate the value of high school internship programs to local students, business leaders, and the community.  Interns gain invaluable experience, skills, and credit; hosts have the opportunity to lead and train an enthusiastic prospective member of their field; and community members – like the clients who Sophie worked with - can benefit from services delivered. 

Santa Fe Trail BOCES is the hub of coordination for internships. For more information about hosting an intern, please contact Jennifer Nesselhuf, Project Coordinator at jennifer.nesselhuf@sftboces.k12.co.us or 719-384-2623, ext. 225.