For students who are interested in learning beyond the classroom, Cherry Hill West’s Senior Internship Program offers an opportunity to gain real-world experience before graduation. Through hands-on experience with professionals across varying career fields, students can explore future careers, build strong connections, and help develop real-life skills while earning school credit.
The Senior Internship Program is a board-approved program offered through partnerships between Cherry Hill Public Schools and organizations throughout the community. Coordinated by Mrs. Castellani, the program allows seniors to work alongside professionals in their field while continuing their education at school. Over the past decade, students have interned in fields ranging from healthcare and engineering to education, theater, law enforcement, fashion, and business management.
One of the biggest advantages of participating in the internship program is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and establish professional connections, as well as networking. According to the CHPS Internship Portal, several former interns have later secured jobs at the same organization where they interned during high school. For students who are unsure of what they want to do in the future, this program provides a firsthand look into their intended profession of interest while also strengthening resumes and college applications.
Students who are interested in pursuing an internship have two pathways to choose from. They can either create their own internship opportunity or apply through the school’s established partnerships. Those choosing to create their own internships are encouraged to reach out to organizations or businesses related to their career of interest. Once an opportunity is found, students will work with internship coordinator Mrs. Castellani, who will conduct a site visit and review the program before approval. Students may also apply through Cherry Hill West’s established partners, which continue to expand each year. Current opportunities for the 2026-2027 school year include healthcare organizations such as Penn Medicine, Jefferson Healthcare, Cooper University Healthcare, Strong Bond Health, and Cardinal Kids. Additionally, there are also education internships with Cherry Hill elementary schools and the Jewish Federation, engineering experiences with Environmental Resolutions Inc., and law enforcement opportunities through the Cherry Hill Police Department.
The internship program is designed for current juniors planning to head into their senior year. Applicants must maintain strong academics, good attendance and behavior records, and have fulfilled most of the graduation class requirements since the internship often requires students to attend their program of choice during the school day. Students will need a half-day schedule, allowing them to take a maximum of 4 classes.
The application process begins around February to March of junior year. Guidance counselors discuss this opportunity with students, alongside flyer advertisements lining the hallways. Once you join the Google Classroom for all juniors interested in internships, the specifics of the application begin to be posted. Applicants must supply a cover letter detailing why they are interested in the internship and why they would be a good candidate. The student’s resume and 2 letters of recommendation are also required. Once these materials are approved, interviews are conducted. A schedule of interview slots for those interested in each program is posted, and each junior meets with a board that consists of Mrs. Castellani, another member of the West faculty, the internship coordinators from the internship being applied for, and sometimes a current student intern. Interviewees hear back in anywhere from a few days to a week.
Each internship ends at a slightly different time throughout the year. However, most students are done with their intern responsibilities around April, just in time for their End of the Year Internship Presentation Night. This night allows every intern to discuss why they picked their internship, a day in their life, their favorite parts, new things they learned, and their plans for the future. Programs with a lot of students often assign each student to a different rotation/ aspect of the internship, so new information is presented in every presentation. These 5-minute-long slide shows are presented to the interns’ family and friends, alongside many internship coordinators. This incredible night works to display each intern’s hard work, commemorate their time, and celebrate the future ahead of them.
Being a part of this program is an experience unlike any other. Seniors get real-world experience in the field of their choosing, allowing for more confidence in themselves and the decisions they make concerning their future. This invaluable opportunity should be considered by all underclassmen eligible, as it may be the program that makes their senior year unforgettable. Students interested should go speak to Mrs. Castellani or their guidance counselor for more information.