MARESA Internship Program

Northern Michigan University's High School Internships page features the Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency (MARESA) Internship Program, an unpaid independent study course for high school seniors in Michigan's Marquette and Alger counties. Students spend 6 to 10 hours a week at a local business or agency tied to their career pathway, where one or more employees train and supervise them. Sample sites include the City of Marquette, the Marquette City Fire Department, Munising Memorial Hospital, UP Health Systems - Bell Hospital, NMU Computer Science and NMU Public TV 13, and more than 150 sites in the two counties have hosted interns over the past few years. The internship is in person and does not pay, but students earn high school credit when they complete it successfully. Interns arrange their own transportation to the site. Before the placement begins, the student, parent, school and business all agree on the training schedule and task expectations. The internship coordinator assigns grades based on a site supervisor evaluation, work maturity, learning progress and a daily written journal. The program is meant to show students first-hand why their studies matter, build connections with working professionals, and help them make informed decisions about college and career paths.

Open to high school seniors attending school in Marquette or Alger County, Michigan. Apply with an internship application, a resume and a recommendation from your school counselor, then interview with the MARESA internship coordinator and, if approved, with a local business or agency. Juniors should contact their counselor to plan a senior-year internship. Unpaid; students earn high school credit and arrange their own transportation.