VOICES Symposium: Interns Share What They Learned in the Workplace
Sixteen Highline high school students took an important step toward their futures this spring through the VOICES Internship Program. Meet some of our interns and learn what they took away from their 12-week workplace experience.
VOICES is an internship program for students in grades 10-12. It helps students build general workplace skills, learn from mentors and explore life after high school. Students take part in workshops, complete an internship and earn credentials that support their college and career goals.
At the end of the program, students shared what they learned during a final project symposium. Each intern created a poster about their experience and talked with family members, internship hosts, mentors and guests. Two students also gave speeches about what the program meant to them.
Sofia Lucatero, Highline Public Schools, Communications Intern
Sofia Lucatero, graduating from Highline High School, interned with Highline's Communication department this spring. Sofia shared that she learned to stick to the main point of her ideas when communicating and how to write professional emails. She said she also learned how a workplace environment could be both professional and friendly at the same time. Her goal is to attend Bellevue College to complete prerequisites for a career in radiology.
During her internship, she created a senior survey to find out what helped other students get prepared for life after high school. She used their answers to create social media to celebrate seniors on taking steps toward their future and to inspire rising seniors.
"Internships help strengthen your skills and help you develop new ones. It's also an opportunity to create connections and receive future recommendations."
— Sofia Lucatero
"I acquired marketing skills by designing flyers and slides for the survey, and I gained communication skills. Before, I struggled with asking questions and speaking up. My site supervisor helped me become less nervous to ask questions. You have to communicate to find a solution," she said. "Communication also builds relationships and trust. In my future career as a radiologist, I will need to speak to patients and create a safe place."
Glen Gusman Salinas, Tyee Promise Scholars Intern
Glen Guzman Salinas, a junior at Tyee High School this year, also shared about his internship experience with the Promise Scholars program at Tyee. He said a key take away was that "my voice has more power than I thought."
"Some skills I gained were public speaking, being able to learn about other people, and taking notes in class -- my grades have gone up!"
"A moment of growth was when I started to get out of my shell and was opening up more. I started to learn about myself and what I wanted to do. I want to develop my public speaking skills more." — Glen Guzman Salinas
"I went to a local middle school and gave a speech about high school and the opportunities that are there," he said. Glen also interviewed a panel at the Museum of Flight about how they made it to where they are.
"I'm really interested in the trades, and I want to become an electrician, but I've been giving college a second look." He said understands he has many options that could support his career path and future.
Amira Vohora, Arts Corp Intern
For Amira Vahora, who interned with Arts Corp, it was a full-circle moment. Amira, who just finished 11th grade at Highline High School, attended Arts Corp programming as a younger student.
"Based on this experience, I want to find internships or programs that allow me to look into pediatrics through Seattle Children's hospital."
— Amira Vahora
While she has plans to pursue a medical career, on her poster Amira shared, "My internship made me realize that I want to work with kids and help future generations."
Celebrating Learning, Preparing for the Future
This year’s interns completed 40 hours of work experience with Highline Public Schools departments and community partners. Internship sites included:
- African Community Housing Development
- Arts Corps
- Cafe Dulzura
- Fearless Futures
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Weed Warriors, Nature Stewards Program
- Highline Public Schools: Career & Technical Education
- Highline Public Schools: Communications Team
- Highline Public Schools: Family Engagement
- Highline Public Schools: Human Resources
- Highline Public Schools: Promise Scholars
Along the way, students attended workshops focused on communication, teamwork, problem-solving and workplace professionalism. They also worked with mentors who offered guidance, encouragement and career advice.
Students were celebrated with certificates and light refreshments as guests visited poster displays, asked questions and heard about each student’s growth.
Through VOICES, students gained real-world experience and a clearer view of possible career paths. They also earned the Highline Work Ready Certification, .5 elective credit and up to a $500 award for successful completion.
The program helps students build confidence, strengthen resumes and prepare for the future they choose.
Career Access Specialist Xulie Olivos said, "It was a joy to celebrate our student interns, and we are incredibly proud of all they accomplished through their internship, their contributions, and the dedication they showed in completing the program."
Congratulations to this year’s VOICES interns!
For more information and to see a list of our 2025-26 interns, please visit our website page: VOICES Internship Program.
Additional photos from the celebration are available on Highline's Facebook post, June 26, 2026..
