WINGS High School Internship at Eastern Christian School
It’s time to start seriously thinking about what comes next in your teen’s high school journey.
Your teen might know exactly what they want to do after high school, but they haven’t quite figured out the pathway. Maybe they’ve considered entering the workforce right away or thought about a 2-year or 4-year program.
It’s possible.
WINGS is a high school student internship program offered through Eastern Christian School where students can learn trades or experience careers firsthand while receiving high school credit toward graduation.
Are you searching for a right-fit high school internship that equips students for promising careers?
We offer this to students in Bergen County, Passaic County, and beyond! Please contact Suzanne Kraai, Director of Enrollment, at (973) 427-4013 or suzannekraai@easternchristian.org to learn about Eastern Christian School.
How Does It Work?
WINGS is more than just internship-level experience.
Range of Industry Fields
High school juniors and seniors have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders in fields they want to pursue. Fields include architecture, engineering, construction management, healthcare, law, information technology, flight school, education, auto dealership, Christian ministry, social work, marketing, and more.
Upper-Management Mentoring
In addition to exploring a valuable trade or skill, students can access upper-management mentoring. It’s a great opportunity for students to explore career potential with the ability to walk away if it isn’t for them. Students who find the field to be a good fit get the hands-on experience that prepares them for the workforce. Colleges and trade schools are also looking at transcripts that demonstrate student commitments to their intended career.
Comprehensive Experience
Juniors and seniors can benefit most from the program, and a driver’s license is especially helpful for commuting to and from our high school campus. Students are required to complete a total of 120-150 hours, which includes field experience and a journal to document their work. This is comparable to required seat-time in a traditional on-campus class.
Flexible Scheduling
The program generally lasts a semester, although the schedule can vary depending on the company partner. Students enjoy a high level of flexibility and customization with the WINGS program, and we work with each student to find an opportunity that best fits their school schedule, activities, and allows students to propose WINGS partners if and when there is a connection.
Key Benefits
At EC, we want to empower students with a vision of godly leadership while equipping them with marketable skills. We partner with a strong community of business leaders who often share our values and community ethics.
In addition to learning about a specific industry, students develop a broad range of critical life skills, including problem-solving, managing a busy schedule, appropriate employer/employee communications, and workplace integrity. It’s an invaluable experience and can help bolster college portfolios and applications.
“I was already building my resume because I had already had [WINGS] internship experience. With the senator’s office, they said they don’t normally hire freshmen, but my experience was significant.”
– Carrington Brooks, WINGS participant who later interned with the U.S. Senate
The WINGS program coordinators communicate with the supervisor in the field regularly so that students have the guidance and support they need during the program. The coordinators also meet with students to discuss good employment practices and model employer/employee conversations.
They’ll discuss goals, challenges, and growth opportunities to ensure high schoolers get the full internship experience. Networking opportunities abound in the WINGS program. We have many new business partners and are always pursuing partnerships with additional companies.
Whether you’re a student who is laser-focused on one particular career path or entertaining a few options and looking for additional guidance, WINGS could be the right fit for you!
Meet the WINGS Coordinators
The Eastern Christian School’s WINGS internship program is proudly led by two exceptional coordinators, Ben Carapezza and Jessica Lagerveld, whose combined expertise helps connect students with businesses that allow for a unique and enriching internship experience.
Together, Ben and Jessica blend their diverse backgrounds to create a program that bridges the gap between education and career preparation, empowering students to soar confidently into their futures.
Ben Carapezza
Ben Carapezza, Eastern Christian’s Director of Learning, brings nearly 15 years of experience in education as both a teacher and school administrator. His deep understanding of student development, curriculum design, and educational best practices ensures that the WINGS program aligns seamlessly with Eastern Christian’s mission to prepare students for their future academic and professional journeys.
Jessica Lagerveld
Jessica Lagerveld is an Eastern Christian alumnus and currently serves as the school’s Human Resources Director. Prior to returning to her alma mater, Jessica built a career in human resource management across various industries. Her corporate background and expertise in business etiquette, professionalism, and workforce readiness equip WINGS students with the practical skills and insights needed to thrive in professional environments.
Visit Us
To learn more about how the WINGS program could fit into your teen’s overall high school experience, we encourage you to visit the EC high school campus in North Haledon, N.J., serving students from Passaic County, Bergen County, and beyond.
Come and see how we partner with our community to raise up people of Christian vision and influence.