Bob Mosier

Public Information Officer, AACPS
410-222-5312
rmosier@aacps.org

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 16, 2011) - - -  Anne Arundel County Schools and the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation are working together to promote the new STEM Internship Program to Anne Arundel County businesses.  The program, designed for high school seniors enrolled in the county’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) magnet schools – North County and South River High Schools, matches companies and students for short, non-paid intern positions.

“The importance of preparing a future workforce cannot be overstated,” said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold.  “This new internship program gives students a better understanding of the jobs available to someone with a STEM education and hopefully will inspire them to continue their course of study through college.”

“The ability to have hands-on experience is critical to our students, particularly those in our STEM programs,” schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell said. “When students can bring material learned in a classroom to life through practical experience, the lessons take on an entirely new and invigorating meaning.”

Students awaiting internship opportunities with Anne Arundel County companies have experience working in teams, analyzing data, solving real world problems, writing white papers, and making short presentations.  Their course background includes Calculus, Computer Science, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, International Studies, Human Geography, Statistics, and Art and Design. 

 
AAEDC endorsed the STEM Internship program in a letter sent to 934 businesses including technology, IT, engineering, manufacturing, and health care companies.  To provide more information to companies that expressed an interest in the program, a briefing session was organized by AAEDC and AACPS on June 16, 2011.  Twenty company representatives attended, were welcomed by County Executive Leopold and then were given more details about registering for an intern.  Four STEM students spoke about educational experiences and the value that integrated internships have in preparing them for the workforce.  The new STEM Internship Program has a total of 47 confirmed internships to date with a goal of 80 internships for this summer and fall. 

Robert Hannon, AAEDC president and CEO, said, “STEM interns benefit by receiving one course credit and invaluable exposure to on-the-job experiences.  Companies benefit from the array of skills these interns have learned through the STEM program.   The benefit of this program to Anne Arundel County is significant – a future workforce that can propel economic growth. “

The internship’s online process is easy to set up and is guided by school counselors who work with both companies and students to ensure a successful and rewarding experience.  To set up an internship or for more information, call Robin Harrington, Anne Arundel Public Schools, at 410-222-5391or visit the STEM website.

 

ABOUT AAEDC
The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) mission is to serve business needs and to increase Anne Arundel County’s economic base through job growth and business investment.  For a complete list of services provided by AAEDC, visit the web site at www.aaedc.org or call 410-222-7410.