Students as Pathmakers: Tech Internships
Jack Spiller, Ethan Knotts, and Cas Maxwell (first three from left) along with other panelists, presented on high school internships from a students and a business perspective to educators and leaders at a state-wide Career Readiness Leaders Meet Up in March.
Gabby Herlocher and Ethan Knotts had the chance to be interns with AI Owl in 2024. Their internships were through the State of Ohio’s High School Tech Internship Program (HSTI). Both are not only first-year college students, Gabby at the University of Cincinnati and Ethan at Ohio University, but they are both also employed by AI Owl. Gabby is from Zanesville, Ohio, and Ethan is a Warren Local School District graduate from Washington County, Ohio.
While interning at AI Owl, they had the opportunity to develop Jumper: Learning AI Through Gaming. This game is a 10-module educational 3D story designed to teach students the benefits and diverse applications of AI engagingly and interactively. Both Gabby and Ethan have been selected as ASU+GSV AI Innovators and will be a part of the AI Show in San Diego this month. Gabby also had a chance to share part of her career pathway with AI Owl, including the impact a story about a red scooter had on how she came to be where she is now.
Ethan also shared part of his career pathway with AI Owl, and he had a chance to present with fellow AI staff Cas Maxwell and Jack Spiller at the Career Readiness Leaders Meet-Up in Columbus in March. During and after the panel, Ethan shared about the Community & Career Connected Learning opportunities that he had as a K -12 student at Warren. He was able to tour the local business Micro Machine Works. He completed a Real World Problem Scenario through one of his classes, where his class was partnered with a local business and given a real problem to research, think critically and creatively about, and propose solutions back to the business. He also did a job shadow, completed an internship through his high school, and attended BB2C’s High School STEAM Camp. All before he applied for HSTI and worked with AI Owl and supervisors Jack and Cas.
Ethan shared that these opportunities helped him make connections and build relationships to expand his social capital and open new doors and opportunities for his career pathway. Jack and Cas shared how easy it was to apply to HSTI as a business and be reimbursed. They all shared about what fantastic outcomes they have had, both from a student perspective and a business perspective. All three men encouraged schools, businesses, and students to consider high school internships.
At the end of March, Ethan and Gabby had a chance to come full circle by presenting on behalf of AI Owl at BB2C’s Discover IT Day. They are now the business representatives connecting with students from in and around Washington County to encourage and inspire students to explore career opportunities in the tech industry. This includes the opportunity to apply for the 2025 HSTI program, which is currently accepting applications from both students and businesses.
Gabby & Ethan present to high school students at BB2C’s Discover IT Day, including their time as High School Tech Interns with AI Owl and how they are now on staff while also attending college.
HSTI helps businesses gain tech talent while providing students with early work experience in fields like AI, software development, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. Employers can receive up to 75% wage reimbursement (capped at $5,000 per intern) for hiring high school students in tech roles. Interns complete a minimum of 120 hours and wages start at $12 per hour.
Adams
Athens
Belmont
Carroll
Coshocton
Harrison
Highland
Hocking
Holmes
Galia
Guernsey
Jackson
Jefferson
Lawrence
Meigs
Monroe
Morgan
Muskingum
Noble
Perry
Ross
Scioto
Vinton
Washington
If you are a business interested in hosting a high school intern or a student interested in applying for an internship, you can contact BB2C at internships@bb2careers.org.