The Power of Work-Based Learning
High school internships give students a head start, but only 2% of students have access to them.
I really did learn a lot of new things I didn’t know before. The skills I have learned as well as the information will most definitely help me out later down the road in my future.
— Intern Supported by IYF Stipend Fund
Why Internships Matter
High school internships and other work-based experiences provide students with real world experience, helping them develop essential skills, explore potential career paths, and build professional networks. These experiences set students up for long-term success in higher education and the workforce, and empower them to imagine their future. Explore the statistics below to see why internships and work-based learning are essential.
Long-term Educational and Financial Success
High school internships increase the likelihood of completing future degree programs¹
Interns receive job offers faster and have higher starting salaries than those without internships²
Professional and Skill Development
More than half of high school interns say their internship improved their skills⁴
87% of high school interns said their experience helped them choose a career⁴
Career Opportunities and Networking
40% of jobs come through referrals and personal connections³
70% of employers offer college internships to their high school interns¹
40% of high school internships eventually lead to full time jobs¹
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National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Why Are Internships Important? https://www.nshss.org/resources/blog/blog-posts/why-are-internships-important/
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The Impact of Unpaid Internships on Career Success of Liberal Arts Graduates https://www.naceweb.org/uploadedFiles/files/2018/publication/free-report/2018-nace-the-impact-of-unpaid-internships-on-career-success-of%20-liberal-arts-graduates.pdf
American Student Assistance (ASA). Spotlight On High School Internships – Opening Doors to In-Demand Skills, Social Capital and Greater Career Certainty https://www.asa.org/research/spotlight-on-high-school-internships/
American Student Assistance (ASA). Youth Work-Based Learning: Trends, Benefits, and Opportunities for Students and Employers https://www.asa.org/research/youth-work-based-learning-trends-benefits-and-opportunities-for-students-and-employers
Expanding Access to Work-Based Learning
Despite the proven benefits of internships, only 2% of high school students choose internships over traditional employment. A survey conducted by American Student Assistance (ASA) found that while 70% of surveyed students were interested in internships, only 34% were aware of internship opportunities in their community¹. In addition to this lack of awareness, financial barriers—such as lost wages from traditional after-school and vacation jobs, transportation costs, and other work-related expenses—further prevent students from pursuing internships.
The Imagining Your Future (IYF) program works to overcome both of these challenges. By connecting students with a variety of work-based experiences, IYF helps students explore career options and build confidence in their career potential. Additionally, the IYF Stipend Fund helps remove financial barriers, allowing IYF students to pursue unpaid internships without worrying about lost wages or other costs.
¹National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Why are internships important? https://www.nshss.org/resources/blog/blog-posts/why-are-internships-important/
