Truth about high school STEM internships

High school internships sound impressive—but are they really doing anything for your student?

In this video, we unpack the hidden truth behind summer internships for teenagers. Whether it’s working in a lab, shadowing a researcher, or joining a company-sponsored program, most internships offer less than they promise… unless you know how to prepare.

We begin with the blunt reality: most students walk into internships completely unprepared and walk out having contributed nothing. But with the right approach, these opportunities can become powerful stepping stones toward college admissions, academic honors, and even publication.

This episode breaks down:

✅ Why most internships are just academic theater
✅ The difference between “real” vs. sponsored research programs
✅ What lab directors actually expect from interns
✅ How students can turn a passive experience into real achievement
✅ The preparation steps that separate applicants who stand out

Whether you're a parent aiming to boost your child’s college chances or a student hoping to make your summer matter—this guide will show you how to stop wasting internships and start owning them.

👉 Subscribe for honest strategies on academic success and competitive college prep.
💬 Comment below: Have your children done an internship? What did they actually do there?
📩 Like this video if you’ve ever seen the gap between “experience” and reality.

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