About the Internship Program

Paint Branch Internship Program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to obtain firsthand knowledge of a career or field of study. In order to compete in today’s professional environment, the program helps create and develop a work effective attitude for the business world after graduation. In addition, the program will assist you in to gaining real world experience which helps you to make more informed career choices that will lead to higher personal job satisfaction as well as higher productivity.

The program is designed to meet the interests, needs, and schedules of each participant. Three period release interns are required to work a minimum of 225 hours per semester, two period release interns are required to work a minimum of 150 hours per semester, and one period release interns are required to work a minimum of seventy-five hours per semester. In addition to earning all hours required, interns are responsible for attending regularly scheduled in-school seminars on Mondays. Interns are also responsible for completing course assignments and projects, and preparing weekly record keeping reports.

The Sponsor’s Responsibility

The sponsor will provide students with feedback on their interviews and discuss expectations and objectives with the student. An individualized student goal plan will be agreed upon jointly by the sponsor, the intern, and the internship coordinator. The sponsor will introduce the intern to other staff members and designate an “alternative mentor” to provide assistance in his/her absence. The sponsor will monitor attendance and review progress of the interns at mid-term and at the end of the semester. Also, the sponsor will do everything in his/her power to provide the intern with a meaningful work experience and a strong overview of the field.

Applying for an Academic Internship

Students wishing to enroll in the Internship Program should immediately complete the attached Application, secure parental/guardian permission and speak with their Guidance Counselor for scheduling approval and to Ms. Rebecca Baber about supervising their internship.

Current and Past Internship Sites

• AFI (American Film Institute)
• Chevy Chase Bank
• CVS Pharmacy
• Department of Justice
• Goddard Space and Flight
• Greater Washington Sports and Rehab Services
• Holy Cross Hospital Center
• Laurel Leader
• Montgomery County Police Department
• Montgomery County Public Schools
• National Institutes of Health
• Olney Theater
• Pyramid Atlantic
• Sandy Springs Bank
• Sports and Orthopedic Therapy Services
• The Takoma Voice
• University of Maryland
• Washington Adventist Hospital

Interns in Action

• Education and Child Development
• Medical
• Finance Communication/Journalism
• Law Enforcement
• Culinary Arts

Internship Needs

The Rebecca F. Baber Academy of Finance (AOF) at Paint Branch is interested in working with local businesses and organizations that would be able to sponsor a paid student intern during the spring or summer. 

The paid internship experience provides an excellent opportunity for interns to apply and use skills and information learned in the Finance Academy classroom.  Your organization benefits by having an available source of highly trained temporary employees during critical times.  And internship is an extension of the classrooms where students put their skills to use in a real-world setting.

Students need to have a total of 120 hours to complete their paid internship for the Academy.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Rebecca Baber  at (301) 989-5618 or e-mail at Rebecca_F_Baber@mcpsmd.org .  Click here to read student testimonials as to the importance of a paid summer internship (pdf).

The National Academy of Finance (www.naf.org) features a three and four year academic program that augments standard curricula.   In addition to the required courses, the Academy students take one of two specialized courses each semester including Accounting and Microsoft Office Suite , and a college level course their senior year.

The Internship Coordinator

Ms. Rebecca Baber will supervise the students in their internship through site visits and meetings with the student.  Any questions about internships should be directed to Ms. Baber at 301-989-5618.