Build authentic relationships with Gen Z while improving company wide diversity and innovation.

My work with high school students began by accident. Seven years ago, a high school sophomore named Olivia emailed me about volunteering at the nonprofit where I was Executive Director. She began coming in two afternoons per week, then two of her friends started doing the same. Before long, our “internships” became more like a pre-apprenticeship program, with eight students at the office 3pm-6pm Tuesdays & Fridays for three years (sophomore-junior-senior years), allowing them to progress into larger roles, essentially performing as junior associates.

They managed fundraising, community events, all social media, as well as fashion, beauty, media and talent partnerships. Our setting allowed for greatly increased job skill development (task, time, people and project management, problem solving, communications) compared to typical internships. The students’ contributions each week were nothing short of fantastic. Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect was seeing board member perceptions transform from…Do we have time to baby-sit high school students? into...How many more hours could they work each week?
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All participants from low to mid income families obtained significant scholarships to top colleges, but gaining workplace proficiency that would lead to better internships or fellowships, then better jobs - this held the most value. Students completing high school without developing some usable skills…is like taking a classroom lecture on surfing without getting into the water. We all know that job experience is not just preferred, it is required.

I greatly encourage the like-minded to give high school students a chance to work with you!
Janice Zaballero
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