Internships
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) internships allow high school students to work for employers and learn about a particular industry or occupation.
In an internship, a student agrees to complete work that will benefit an employer. In return, the student is able to learn new skills, expand their knowledge of a particular field, and explore career options. Depending on the employer, interns may complete tasks from one specific job, a sample of tasks from different jobs, or special projects.
Internship Information
An internship is a carefully monitored work experience in which a student sets intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what they are learning throughout the experience. Their performance is evaluated by an assigned workplace mentor.
Internship specifics can vary:
- Length: Can be six weeks to nine months long; can begin in summer, fall, or spring
- Hours: Part-time or full-time (after graduation)
- Compensation: Paid or unpaid
- Academic Credit: Based on hours worked
Academic Credit
To receive academic credit for an internship, a student must complete and submit the Internship Agreement form to the MPS internship coordinator. The form requires signatures from the student, parent/guardian, work supervisor, coordinating teacher/staff, and principal.
Credit will be awarded based on the number of hours worked per semester:
- 45 to 89 hours: 0.25 credits
- 90 to 114 hours: 0.50 credits
- 115 to 152 hours: 0.75 credits
- 153 hours or more: 1.0 credit
Eligibility and Requirements
Students are encouraged to learn about internships during their sophomore year. To be an intern, a student must be 16 years old and a high school junior or senior when the internship begins. They must also meet the following criteria:
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher
- Have good attendance
- Maintain acceptable behavior, follow the MPS Code of School/Classroom Conduct, and remain free from major discipline code infractions
Note: Exceptions may be allowed at the discretion of the internship coordinator.
Applying for Internships
Find Internships: MPS Student Job Board
- Search the job board for internships that interest you.
- Follow the application instructions and submit any required materials on time. Some applications have a firm deadline, and some applications are open on a rolling basis.
- If hired, sign the internship agreement and return it to the internship coordinator.
More Information
Employers: Learn more about providing internships for MPS students.
Students and Staff: If you have any questions, please contact Emily Brown, internship coordinator, at brownek@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.