August 6, 2021
UW Libraries 2021 High School Internship Program
The UW Libraries High School Internship Program is a fun, project-based program for students thinking about college and is one of the only paid internships of its kind in US academic libraries. Students learn how to use various tools to produce digital storytelling, mapping, and information science projects. They leave the program with a portfolio of completed work and make meaningful connections with UW students, faculty, and Libraries staff. UW librarians Elliott Stevens and Kian Flynn developed the program in 2017 in partnership with Seattle Public Library (SPL) librarian Nancy Garrett, who has extensive experience working with youth in the public library setting. This summer session was the fourth iteration of the program. The 2020 session was cancelled due to the pandemic, and this year’s session was 100% virtual via Zoom.
The internship focuses on reaching first-generation college students and groups underrepresented in higher education and librarianship. The goals are to build experience and confidence in the academic setting, learn about librarianship and libraries, and connect young people with academic resources that will help them prepare for college.
The virtual 8-day program ran from July 12th-22nd with nine participants from area high schools — Nathan Hale High School, Shorecrest High School, Rainier Beach High School, and one homeschooled student. Applicants are recruited in partnership with SPL and the Seattle Housing Authority, and they receive a $530 stipend at the end of the program. SPL is an integral partner, providing funding, equipment, and staff support; Librarians Nancy Garrett and Josie Watanabe worked alongside UW Libraries staff as facilitators of the program.
“Nancy Garrett is the most brilliant Youth Services Librarian you’ll ever meet. She is based at the Lake City Public Library and she’s known many of the students since they were kindergartners. Nancy has been instrumental in identifying students. She has provided tons of support during each iteration of the program and helped us to revise it over the years, including advocating for funding.The program would not exist at all without her,” says Stevens.
Libraries staff and volunteers* also contributed many hours to help plan and support the program, including UW Information School grad student Joanna Chern and two former interns who came back as mentors.
The program has three main elements: panel-based discussions, project-based learning, and a final showcase of student work. Panelists included UW undergraduates, UW researchers, and UW librarians. The students learned about the college application process, college life, college research, college libraries, and college librarianship. The project-based work focused on digital scholarship and learning how to use tools like StoryMaps and WeVideo to create digital stories, maps, and podcasts. The Showcase was the culmination of the program. During the Showcase, students talked about their experiences in the internship and shared their maps, podcasts, and videos. While the 2021 projects are not publicly available, past internship projects are viewable online.
“During the Showcase, I really appreciated hearing that the students not only learned from the program staff, but also from one another,” said Stevens.
Students have reported drawing from their internship experience and using their maps and videos to apply for other internships, in college applications, and in classes. The students have also said that the internship has helped them navigate and feel comfortable in college libraries, based on Libraries assessment.
“I loved every single thing (about) this internship. I am so thankful to be a part of such a valuable…experience.” – student participant
And… Many of the interns become UW students!
“This upcoming year, we’ll have three former interns–who are now UW Seattle students–working at the UW Libraries Information Desk at the Research Commons,” says Stevens.
Thanks to the continued partnership with SPL, plans are in the works to continue the program next summer, with the application process starting in April.
*Special thanks to all of the Libraries staff and volunteers who made this year’s high school internship a great success: Nancy Huling, Madeline Mundt, Jessica Albano, Lauren Pressley, Betsy Wilson, Nan Holmes, Stephanie Guerrero, Kathleen Larson, Lauren Duong, Emilie Vrbancic, Michael Mungin, Negeen Aghassibake, and AC Petersen.
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