YPAR Summer Connects Internship: Strengthening High School Readiness, Salem Public Schools (SALEM PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS ONLY) [SY 2025-2026]

YPAR Summer Connects Internship: Strengthening High School Readiness, Salem Public Schools (SALEM PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS ONLY) [SY 2025-2026]

Paid Summer Internship Opportunity for Rising 10th, 11th or 12th Graders (2-3 Openings)

Internship Overview: Salem Public Schools is launching an exciting pilot program, the YPAR Summer Connects Internship, designed to empower rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade student leaders. This unique three-week paid internship provides a critical opportunity to contribute to efforts aimed at enhancing high school readiness for incoming 9th graders. Interns will engage in meaningful Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), working alongside our Summer Connects program to explore vital questions about the transition to high school.

Key Responsibilities: As a YPAR Summer Connects Intern, you will:

• Conduct Youth-Led Research: Investigate the question: "What supports do rising freshmen need to feel academically and socially ready for high school?"
• Collaborate on Freshman Academy Design: Provide meaningful student input into the potential design of a new Freshman Academy at Salem High School.
• Team Collaboration: Work in small teams with support from experienced YPAR facilitators and high school senior mentors.
• Develop Actionable Recommendations: Contribute to developing practical, student-informed recommendations for supporting 9th-grade readiness.
• Prepare for Action Civics: Your research and findings from this internship can directly inform your Action Civics Project in the upcoming school year.
• Present Findings: Prepare to share your final recommendations with the stakeholders which might include Freshman Teaching Team and Administration Team.

Program Highlights:

• Student-Led Inquiry: Lead research on a topic directly impacting your school community.
• Skill Development: Gain invaluable experience in leadership, research methodology, data collection, facilitation, and public presentation.
• Real-World Impact: Your work will directly inform district-wide decisions and school initiatives.
• Paid Opportunity

Ideal Candidate Profile: We are seeking 3-4 highly motivated high school student leaders. Priority will be given to students who have previously participated in the Summer Connects program in the last two years, demonstrating a commitment to supporting their peers.

Program Details:

• Duration: 3 weeks (July 6- July 23, 2026)
• Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Salem High School