Nine University View Academy (UVA) high schoolers completed internships with local businesses throughout the spring and summer, marking the first full year of UVA’s new internship program.
The program began in Spring 2025 with three students placed at MIS, UVA’s technology partner. In Spring 2026, internships expanded with more students and more business partners.
“The program was introduced to create meaningful work-based learning opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world careers,” said Danelle Miller, UVA’s College, Career, & Technical Education Coordinator. “Students develop employability and technical skills, make professional connections, and explore a career prior to graduation or college.”
Miller worked with the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership to help identify local businesses for student internships. In addition to MIS, other local partners included Knock Knock Children’s Museum, the Louisiana Old State Capitol Museum, and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.
“I’ve always been interested in technology, so MIS was such a great opportunity to explore IT while gaining real-world experience,” said rising senior Trindale Shaffer. “This summer internship has also made me learn problem-solving, teamwork, organization, and communication, which are helpful transferable skills and will be so valuable as I continue pursuing a career in data science.”
To be placed in an internship, student applicants must work hard, maintain good academic standing, and complete many hours of on-the-job training.
“Enjoy your work and do your best,” advised rising junior Jacob McQuarn. “It will be worth it.”
McQuarn enrolled at UVA in Spring 2026 and immediately jumped into school life. He completed his summer internship with The Walls Project, a Baton Rouge-based nonprofit that focuses on transforming urban space through art installations.
“I chose this internship because it is work that will help me in my career, which is fashion design and painting,” McQuarn said. “I learned how to help manage a large-scale event. But the main thing I learned is project management and how to create art in a timely fashion.”
From data science to event management, UVA’s internship program provides a diverse array of career exploration options. UVA’s long-term goal is to expand both the range of industry pathways and regional access for students across Louisiana. The 2026–27 school year will be the first year that UVA offers internships during both the fall and spring semesters. Stay tuned for more information about the next internship application window.
University View Academy is Louisiana’s premier tuition-free K-12 online school. We offer a flexible, personalized education choice for residents across Louisiana that is powered by state-certified teachers and supported by in-person Micro Academies.