Students Showcase Professional Growth at Internship Capstone Celebration

The 2025 APS Internship Program student cohort. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

The 2025 Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Internship Capstone Celebration marked the culmination of a semester-long internship experience for 51 high school juniors and seniors from Carver Early College, Douglas High School, and Midtown High School.

Now in its eleventh year, the APS Internship Program pairs students with professional mentors for an immersive, one-on-one experience designed to develop soft skills and introduce students to professional work environments.

The Capstone Celebration is preceded by a fall mentorship course in which students explore careers, build résumés, and prepare for professional communication. The internships provide an opportunity to apply those lessons in real time and receive invaluable direction from professional mentors representing 30 partner organizations, including businesses, nonprofits, healthcare institutions, STEM groups, and colleges.

Midtown High School junior Orlando Brown presents his Capstone presentation during the APS Internship Capstone Celebration. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

Invesco, an independent investment management firm, was a major partner of the Capstone Celebration and hosted the event at its midtown headquarters. Scott Katz, head of talent development at Invesco, addressed the interns, stressing the importance of staying connected.

“As you take the opportunity to maintain the relationships that you built through the internship experience, you never know how they will guide you through the next parts— through college and even beyond,” Katz said. “But it’s up to you to be in the driver’s seat of those relationships, so stay in touch with the people you met.”

Midtown High School junior Kate Krugman has already started using Katz’s advice. As an intern with Judge Sara L. Doyle at the Georgia Court of Appeals, Krugman learned how to balance research and networking, both of which play a pivotal role as she prepares for a career in the legal industry.

“I did a lot of research on the courts of Georgia, and I observed a lot of court proceedings,” she said. “I think what I learned is how to make connections. I interviewed every judge whom I observed in court proceedings. Every court except the Supreme Court and the Probate Court. I got to know them, and I learned how to make connections with them through LinkedIn and through talking to them and learning about their job.”

Midtown High School junior Audrey Lyons presents her APS Internship Program Capstone report to Dr. Sarah Erickson, APS Director of Fine and Performing Arts. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

Fellow Midtown High School junior and editor of the school newspaper, Audrey Lyons, enjoyed her internship at WSB-TV, a top-rated Atlanta news station. The experience allowed her to diversify her journalism skills and learn about broadcasting through hands-on application.

“I helped with a breaking news story that came out at 3:30 p.m., and we had to air it first thing on the 4 p.m. news,” Lyons said. “I helped write that story, and it taught me more about the fast-paced experience of broadcast journalism.”

According to Gifted and Talented Education instructional coach Andrew Nichols, the APS Internship Program has room for growth. This year, while 79 mentors participated, 37 available placements went unmatched.

Carver Early College senior Imari Carter presents her Capstone report to Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, APS Program Director of Student Engagement. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

Zavien Williams, a senior at Carver Early College who interned in her school library, learned about the program when Nichols visited the school and credits the experience with shaping her postsecondary goals.

“My internship inspired me to improve my technology skills so I can be a capable computer support specialist,” Williams said. She plans to attend Clark Atlanta University in the fall.

As Williams and every graduating senior in the APS Internship Program prepare for their commencement ceremonies in the coming weeks, they are equipped to carry their professional relationships, sharpened skills, and ambitions into their next chapter.

Students interested in participating in the program should check with their school guidance counselor to ensure their school participates in the program, as schools must offer mentorship and internship classes. For more information, contact the APS Office of Gifted and Talented Education at 404-802-7585.

Please enjoy the slideshow photo recap of the 2025 Internship Capstone Celebration. Photos by Allison M. Slocum, APS ©