Marlborough students learn the world of work with local companies

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Marlborough High students taking part in internships at local companies. (Photos/submitted)
Marlborough High students taking part in internships at local companies. (Photos/submitted)

Marlborough – Marlborough High School students are working hard this summer for companies in the city through the STEM Early College High School program – and that partnership is making an impact in the community. Dow, Raytheon, UMass Memorial – Marlborough Hospital, National Grid, Geisel Software and the Marlborough Information Technology Department have all opened their doors and welcomed students to complete projects and work side-by-side with professionals to gain hands-on work experience in engineering, health care, computer science, information technology and environmental health.

“I discovered from my internship that work and learning are really a two-way street,” said Kyle Mager, student at STEM Early College High School.

At Dow, students created a class to arouse children’s curiosity about chemical science. At Raytheon, students engaged with world class engineers that design high-tech defense systems that protect the nation’s warfighters. They had hands-on experiences in a virtual reality lab, saw modern air traffic control systems in action, and learned the fundamentals of sophisticated satellite communications systems. At the UMass Memorial – Marlborough Hospital, students developed a week-long program to generate awareness of behavioral Sch M STEM program 2 rshealth among their peers meeting twice a week for a month to collaborate as a group.

Ellen Carlucci, vice president of development, marketing & communications, UMass Memorial – Marlborough Hospital, rated the program a huge success.

“The students we worked with were phenomenal; they learned about health care while honing important life skills like interview preparation, working within a group, developing an original idea and managing their own time to complete a project. It was incredible to see how much they learned and grew as individuals and as a team,” she said.

This program is in its second year.

Dan Riley, director of Marlborough STEM Early College High School, spoke to the urgency of this partnership “to help kids take classes that matter and prepare them for careers.”

According to Kelley French, director of PSW Youth Careers, the employer connection is crucial.

“PSW organized the internships to link education to real-life work experience, prepare youth for employment, and increase the pipeline of young people entering STEM careers to meet current employer demand,” French said. “This work couldn’t be done without the support of our partner employers who are dedicated to youth.”

This work is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor through Jobs for the Future.

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