Deep Learning, Community Connections

Imagine being an Upper Schooler and spending a fast-paced week meeting people, honing practical and soft skills, and getting a glimpse into the world of work. That’s what Minimester internship participants experience! 

Minimester internships, a springtime Steward tradition, align with Steward’s core values of academic achievement, individuality, and inspiration, and offer sophomores and juniors the opportunity to build a professional network and sharpen their communication and critical thinking skills. 

“The internship requirement is a key component of a Steward education,” said Alexa Bolt, coordinator of service learning and engagement, who teams up with students to find internships that suit their interests. “It’s an experience that can’t be replicated in a classroom and allows students to put the skills they learn at Steward into practice.” 

Below is a sampling of some of our students’ 2026 internships. 

Jack Niemas ’28 interned with NBC affiliate WWBT meteorologist Ros Runner during Minimester. A highlight: Jack recorded a “practice” weather forecast in front of a green screen, delivering a seven-day forecast in a single take without the use of a teleprompter! Jack, who has had a strong interest in meteorology for several years, said, “Recording the segment was exciting, and I was a little nervous. What I enjoyed most about my internship was being on set, meeting people that I have watched on TV for years, and learning about the production process. Working with Mr. Runner supported my career path.”

Kate Bradley ’28, Elijah Kauffman ’28, Juliet Forlano ’28, Kaylee Morgan ’27, and Jacey Turner ’27 interned at Spacebomb Studios under the guidance of Matt White, founder and co-owner. The students learned about managing social media content for a small, independent studio, helped with the day-to-day workflow of the studio, and wrote and recorded melodies for audio samples. 

Emily Stefanick ’28 spent Minimester week at ABC 8, where she reviewed forecast tools, learned how to interpret data, practiced presenting data against a green screen, and received a crash course in the Baron Lynx Weather Graphic program. 

At the VCU Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Innovation Lab, Noah Bender ’28 participated in training, practice, and study similar to those engineering students undergo. He also attended college-level freshman classes, including an electrical engineering class. 

“I learned how DC and AC electrical waves have different graphs and some electrical waves function as square waves, some as sine waves, and other patterns,” said Noah. “I find engineering interesting because there isn’t always one right solution, and I enjoy brainstorming a solution to a problem that balances time, effectiveness, and durability.” Networking with VCU students, he added, “was super nice and everyone had something interesting to share about their experiences or major. I had lunch every day with a different student, and we would discuss college, jobs, and our interests.”

At the VCU School of Life Sciences, Addison Bearden ’27 assisted in the investigation of the cellular mechanisms that underlie amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Hands-on experience in a collaborative academic environment, with exposure to modern experimental techniques and data analysis, was an enriching experience for Addison, who worked alongside a principal investigator to conduct microscopy-based imaging to determine whether motorneuron processes are affected in zebrafish models of ALS. 

Molly O’Sullivan-Wright ’28 spent the week at Horsey Orthodontics, where she shadowed employees and learned about administrative duties, lab and sterilization practices, and clinic work. She came away with a comprehensive understanding of both the clinical and behind-the-scenes aspects that help a dental practice run smoothly.

Spartans also participated in internships at an animal shelter, a non-profit, a construction company, a dance academy, and an interior design company. Ms. Bolt noted, “Our Spartans are building skills in high school that most students don’t practice until college!”

Mentorship

During their internships, students were visited on-site by their advisors or an Upper School teacher. 

Ms. Bolt shared, “During these check-ins, advisors heard about each student’s experience and toured the internship site. These meetings were incredibly helpful for students and faculty. Students got feedback on their work, advisors saw firsthand what students were doing, and internship hosts made a deeper connection to the Steward community.”

View the Steward Snaps from Minimester internships 2026.