Clarkstown North Introduces Externship Opportunity for Students

Future ready learning is extending beyond the classroom for seniors at Clarkstown North High School. Michelle Haggerty, a mathematics and special education teacher, and Sheila McCombs, an English and special education teacher, are excited to announce a project they’ve been working on since October: “externship” opportunities for seniors.

So far, there are 90 students signed up for the program, which is being implemented for the first time this semester. Participants are gaining hands-on experience in a wide range of fields, from medicine and education to law and business. Haggerty worked closely with Clarkstown North Principal Candace Reim,drawing on Haggerty’s experience in Westchester schools, where externships are more common, to help bring the initiative to life.

“[Reim’s] goal was to be able to make our school make our kids ready for the real world… to really bring back to our students a chance to explore the things that they’re interested and passionate about, so that they have a taste for it before they actually major in college,” Haggerty said.

The initiative aligns with the school’s broader theme of “Future Ready” learning, where the school has been increasing their focus on preparing each student for their future professional life. 

Students are responsible for securing their own externship placements, deliberately designed to build independence and professional soft skills.

“We really want the kids to be… very self‑motivated and determined,” Haggarety said. “The kids really have to find their own placement. If they get stuck, then we come in and we start helping them, but we want them to start by reaching out.”

McCombs noted the variety of interests students are pursuing. “It’s just amazing, because the kids all want to do very different things, from learning how to run their own business… to  neurology: they’re just all over. And it’s kind of amazing,” she said.

Both educators emphasize that the program’s value isn’t only in confirming a career choice, but also in helping students reconsider one.

“I remember from my experience in college and working different jobs is that sometimes the thing you get out of it is, ‘I don’t want to do exactly what I thought before’” McCombs said, “That has a lot of value too.”

The externship program is open to any senior in good academic standing.  Haggerty stressed the program’s  inclusivity, sharing “I’m really excited because the program is for all students… It doesn’t just go after our higher‑end kids – all students can do it… it’s about giving everyone in this building the ability to explore an interest and take a shot at something.”

Students are required to log 25 hours a week through their chosen externship. These “business hours” replace traditional school hours, and participants meet with advisors weekly to reflect on their experiences. The 25 hours can be applied however the student and sponsor see fit, encouraging time management and flexibility. On June 11th, the students will present their findings at their Research Symposium.

Clarkstown North High School is currently seeking additional sponsors to host student externs. Community members interested in mentoring or offering workplace experience are encouraged to contact mhaggerty@ccsd.edu to support the program and provide students with meaningful, real-world learning opportunities.

  clarkstown north highschool, externships, furture ready learning, michelle haggerty, sheila mccombs