Internships contextualize learning in the "real world" setting for students.  They allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in a way that no other high school opportunity can provide.  Internships also help motivate students to develop their professional networks and earn money for college.

There are also many benefits for the mentors who accept our interns...

When businesses invest in internships, they are investing in futures. It's a great way to give back to the community. By supporting internships for NAF students, businesses can take a direct role in schools:

• By offering educational enhancements and a bridge to the business and professional world for students
• By helping to shape a new generation of worldly, diverse, highly-trained and versatile professionals
• By utilizing temporary employees during critical periods
• By selecting from knowledgeable students
• By recruiting future employees
• By contributing to public school education
• By helping create a motivated, educated workforce

The following reflects a typical NAF Internship:

• Lasts six to ten weeks
• Provides the intern with a workplace supervisor who will guide the student through the work experience
• Offers the intern opportunities to learn about many aspects of the business
• Challenges the intern to think and solve problems
• Enhances the work experience with professional development seminars or meetings
• Utilizes skills learned in special Academy courses, as well as specific knowledge of the industry and its components
• Includes pre-internship preparation activities and post-internship instruction connected to student work experiences

[Information taken from the National Academy Foundation's website.]