I'm looking at doing an internship during a gap year after I finish high school. Are there specific programs or companies that offer internships for students in my situation?
Sure, quite a few companies offer internships for high school graduates taking a gap year. Your first step should be identifying your area of interest since the field you want to intern in will determine the companies you apply to.
If you're interested in technology, companies like Microsoft offer industry-oriented internships. If you lean toward social service or non-profit work, organizations such as Americorps have service-oriented roles across various U.S. communities. For individuals with an interest in journalism or media, NPR has been known to have offer internships to high school grads.
Local businesses are also a viable option. Many of these organizations need eager young minds and are often very receptive to internship requests.
You could also check out gap year programs like International Exchange Program (InterExchange), which offers internships globally, or City Year, which is a year-long, full-time service program in urban schools.
Keep in mind that internships related to your intended college major can make your resume stand out. However, a gap year is also a great chance to explore new fields and discover diverse interests. Good luck with your search!
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