An Internship Mentor Meet and Greet will be held Monday in the BASH Library during all lunch periods. Students will have an opportunity to meet local business representatives who have internships available.

The BASH internship program, started a few years ago by the Guidance Department, helps students gain valuable work experience while still in high school.

“By participating in the program, students can determine if they have an interest in a particular career, create network of contacts and gain a grade and school credits,” Mrs. Natalie Warren, who supervises the intern program, said.

Students who want to participate in the internship program must get approval from a guidance counselor. They can come with a place in mind and get it approved, or the guidance counselors will help them to find a valuable place to intern.

The program started a few years ago, with one student interning outside the school with Building a Better Boyertown, and the program kept expanding to include elder-care,  non-profit, child care, criminal justice, and real estate businesses, among others.

Students who participate in the program receive class credit. They are graded based on a mentor evaluation, a reflection, and an observation. A student can earn 1 credit for interning two periods, 1.5 credits for three periods, and 2 credits for a four-period internship per day.

Senior Lauren Philips is an intern at the BASH school store, a for-profit organization that raises money for school funds by selling all kinds of food, drinks and school supplies to students.

During her internship, Lauren everyday goes down to the store during Flex, and also does inventory work during 3rd period. She says she has gained valuable experience by learning how to work with inventory and dealing with customers.

“This program gives me the abilities I will need to be successful in the future,” Lauren said.

Another student participating in the program is Senior Amanda Murray. Amanda  has been working at the United Way of Boyertown. Previously, she worked at a local candy shop in Boyertown called Peppermint Stick.

“The program makes me well rounded,” she said. “If I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t have the skills that I have now.”

She said her favorite thing about the internship program is the people she has met and everything she has accomplished.

“It’s something different than a regular school day,” she said.