What McLaren High School's internship program offers

McLaren High School runs an internship program that places students in real work settings, usually during the school year or summer. The program pairs students with local employers in fields like healthcare, automotive, business, and skilled trades. Students earn school credit while working part-time, typically a few hours per week or in concentrated blocks.

The program is designed for high school students who want to test out a career field before committing to it in college or trade school. You work under supervision, learn workplace skills like showing up on time and communicating with supervisors, and build a resume while still in school. The internship itself is unpaid in most cases, though some employers offer hourly wages.

Key Takeaways

  • McLaren High School's internship program places students with local employers in healthcare, automotive, business, and skilled trades during the school year or summer.
  • Students earn school credit for the internship and work part-time while maintaining their regular course load.
  • You need to be enrolled at McLaren High School and meet any grade or attendance requirements your school sets before you can participate.
  • The internship coordinator at your school handles placement, so you should contact them directly to learn about current openings and the sign-up process.
  • Most internships are unpaid, though some employers offer wages; you should ask about pay when discussing a specific placement.

Who can participate in the program

You must be a current student at McLaren High School to join the internship program. Most schools require you to be in a certain grade level — typically sophomore, junior, or senior — though this varies by school. Some programs also require a minimum GPA or attendance record, so check with your school's career or internship coordinator about their specific rules.

If you have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan, you can still participate. Your school will work with you and the employer to make sure the internship setting is accessible and that any accommodations you need are in place before you start.

How to find out about internship openings

The internship coordinator at McLaren High School is your main contact. This person manages all placements, knows which employers are currently hiring interns, and handles the paperwork between you, the school, and the employer. You can find them through your school's main office or career center.

Openings change throughout the year. Some employers post positions in the fall for spring internships, while others hire for summer only. The coordinator can tell you what's available right now and what fields have the most openings. If you have a specific employer or industry in mind, ask whether the coordinator has connections there or can help you reach out.

What happens during the process and placement process

Once you identify an internship you're interested in, you'll typically fill out a short form or meet with the coordinator to discuss your interests and goals. The coordinator then connects you with the employer. Some schools require you to write a brief statement about why you want the internship; others just need your contact information and availability.

The employer may interview you before offering the placement. This is usually informal — they want to know if you're reliable and genuinely interested in the work. After you're placed, you and the employer sign paperwork that outlines your schedule, duties, and any safety rules specific to the job. Your school keeps a copy for your records.

What you'll do during your internship

Your actual duties depend entirely on the employer and field. In a healthcare setting, you might shadow nurses, help with patient paperwork, or information with basic administrative tasks. In an automotive shop, you might observe repairs, organize tools, or help with inventory. In a business office, you might help with data entry, filing, or event planning.

You're not expected to do the work of a paid employee. Instead, you observe, ask questions, and gradually take on small tasks under supervision. Your supervisor will teach you how things work in that workplace and give you feedback on your performance. This is your chance to see whether you actually like the work before you invest time and money in training for it.

How internship credit and grades work

The internship counts toward your high school transcript as a course credit, usually in a category like "Career and Technical Education" or "Work Experience." Your grade is typically based on attendance, punctuality, supervisor feedback, and a final project or reflection you complete for your school.

You'll meet periodically with your school coordinator or a teacher who oversees the program. They check in with your employer, make sure you're on track, and help if any problems come up. At the end of the internship, you usually write a reflection or complete a project that shows what you learned.

Scheduling and time commitment

Most internships run for one semester or the full school year, though some are summer-only. During the school year, you typically work 2 to 4 hours per week, scheduled around your classes. Summer internships might be full-time for a few weeks or part-time over several weeks.

Your schedule is set between you, the employer, and your school coordinator. If you have other commitments — sports, another job, family responsibilities — tell the coordinator early so they can find a placement that fits your availability. Employers expect reliability, so once you commit to a schedule, you need to stick to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid for the internship?

Most McLaren High School internships are unpaid because they're primarily educational and count for school credit. However, some employers do pay interns, usually minimum wage or slightly above. Ask the coordinator whether the specific placement offers pay before you commit.

What if I don't know what career I want to explore?

Talk to your internship coordinator about your interests — even general ones like "working with people" or "hands-on work" — and they can suggest fields that match. Many students use their first internship to rule things out, which is just as valuable as confirming what they like.

Can I do an internship if I'm failing a class?

That depends on your school's policy. Some require a minimum GPA or passing grades in all classes; others don't. Ask your coordinator what the requirements are. If you're struggling academically, they might help you get support before you start the internship.

What if the internship isn't working out?

Tell your coordinator as soon as you realize there's a problem — whether it's a schedule conflict, a mismatch with the work, or an issue with your supervisor. They can often move you to a different placement or adjust your role. It's better to speak up early than to tough it out and get a poor evaluation.

Will the internship help me get into college?

Yes, it shows colleges that you've explored a career field and developed workplace skills. You can mention it in your process and use your supervisor's feedback as part of your portfolio. It also gives you real experience to write about in essays.