A $50,000 grant from the Needham Education Foundation will fund the first of three phases for Needham High School’s new internship program. The program will create new opportunities for NHS students seeking work-based experiences within the community. According to NEF members and Superintendent Dan Gutekanst, a program like this has been in discussion for the past year.
Most of the grant, $46,800, will be used to hire an internship coordinator for the upcoming academic year. This individual will partner with Gutekanst, the NHS Counseling Office, Principal Aaron Sicotte, community businesses, organizations and nonprofits, to prepare 80 additional internships, work experiences and job-shadowing opportunities for the 2027-2028 school year. The remaining $3,200 will be spent on materials and resources to develop the program. The program will benefit from the high school’s post-graduate program model and existing community connections, said Gutekanst, and will emphasize equitable participation for all students.
In a presentation to the School Committee on May 19, Gutekanst and NEF presenters acknowledged the program is “hugely ambitious” and “a big lift” that will require a leap of faith. School Committee members voted unanimously to accept the grant. More information on program timelines and goals can be found beginning on page 43 in the May 19 School Committee meeting packet.
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