Students Gain Real-World Experiences Through Department Internships

Before they ever graduate, Cincinnati Public Schools students are already stepping into their futures – walking job sites, asking questions and gaining the kind of real-world experience that extends beyond the classroom. 

The CPS EDGE (Experiences that Drive Growth and Empowerment) Internship program gives juniors and seniors the chance to explore their interests through hands-on learning across district departments. Over the course of six to eight weeks, students are matched with a team that aligns with their career goals, where they build practical skills, gain confidence and begin to see themselves in a future career.

Open to students who are in good academic standing, demonstrate responsibility and receive counselor approval, the program is designed to meet students where they are, and help take them further. Through CPS EDGE PLUS (Provisions for Learners Utilizing Support), students with disabilities receive additional guidance and support, ensuring every student has access to meaningful workplace experiences and opportunities to grow.

For many students, the impact is immediate. Aiken New Tech High School senior Xander Fisher interned with the CPS Facilities Department, and says the experience gave him a firsthand look at what a future in the trades could look like.

“This internship opportunity has been very beneficial in showing how work in the trade facilities really works. They always gave me helpful tips and encouraged my curiosity and questions,” Fisher said. “I got the opportunity to shadow work and do work of my own, and to tour multiple schools and other CPS facilities to see their HVAC and plumbing systems in action. I’ve gained valuable skills and knowledge that will help me start my career.”

The Office of Marketing and Communications hosted intern and Withrow University High School student Aminata Mboup. She wrote the following story about her experience. 

My Daily Life as an Intern at CPS: Between the Objective and the Editing 

By Aminata

Since the start of my internship in the CPS communications department, my days have been filled with creativity and technical learning. I am fortunate to have hands-on experience that allows me to discover the inner workings of our district.

On Location: Capturing the Moment

What I enjoy most is going out into the field with Communications Specialist Mary Williams. We visit different schools to photograph the students in action. Whether it's during sports activities or everyday moments in the cafeteria, I'm learning to capture authentic moments that we'll then use to illustrate our web articles. My first day in front of Woodford Academy remains a particularly vivid memory!

The Technique: Bringing Images to Life

Back at the office, the work continues on the computer. My task is to enhance the photos taken in the field. I use professional software like Adobe Lightroom to adjust the light and colors to make the images perfect for the CPS website. This internship has allowed me to make tremendous progress. I now have a much better grasp of complex editing tools, which I didn't know how to use before.

A Close-knit Team

Every Wednesday, we get together for a team meeting. What I particularly appreciate is the human work, we share our motivations and career aspirations, which creates a fantastic work atmosphere.