From High School to Hands-On: Interns Thrive at Mountain Top Explorium

We are working to continue the Program Internship Program. If you are interested in learning more, please complete the linked Interest Form.

Mountain Top Explorium, a leading provider of innovative STEM and outdoor education programs, is celebrating a successful inaugural year of its Program Internship program, a direct partnership with Summit High School's Career Technical Education (CTE) program. This unique collaboration, facilitated through the Early Childhood Education classes taught by teacher and school psychologist Anna Howden, has provided invaluable real-world experience to aspiring educators.

In January 2025, the Program Internship launched, offering Summit High School students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on teaching experience in a supportive, paid job position. Selected Program Interns had the opportunity to learn about the field of education while working within Mountain Top Explorium’s after school and school break programs. Following a visit to Mountain Top Explorium, two students from Ms. Howden’s class, Sheccid Ramirez and Josceline Ortega, were selected for the program's first year.

"We are incredibly proud of Sheccid and Josceline," says Anna Howden, Early Childhood Education teacher at Summit High School. "Their Mountain Top internship has profoundly deepened their understanding of child development. They've shared how they're now applying theoretical concepts from class to real situations and implementing guidance strategies with genuine confidence. It's remarkable to see their classroom knowledge come to life through this practical experience."

Meet the Interns

Josceline Ortega Orozco, a model student in the Early Childhood Education pathway, consistently demonstrated an engaged classroom presence and an unwavering commitment to her future teaching career. As a participant in the Pre-Collegiate Program, Josceline skillfully balanced rigorous academic demands with active class participation, thoughtful questions, and natural leadership. Her bilingual skills in English and Spanish are a significant asset, allowing her to connect with the students and families of Mountain Top Explorium’s programs. She plans to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher, specializing in kindergarten education.

Sheccid Ramirez has shown remarkable determination in the Early Childhood Education pathway while simultaneously developing her English language skills. Her bilingualism in Spanish and English is a valuable asset in her educational journey. Sheccid's passion for becoming a special education teacher stems from a deeply personal connection to her brother's experiences. This motivation shines through in her academic work, where she consistently challenges herself. Currently enrolled in the Pre-Collegiate Program, Sheccid balances her studies with hands-on experience as an intern at Mountain Top Explorium's after-school  and school break programs. Her creative and artistic talents, combined with her patient and kind demeanor, make her exceptionally well-suited for working with young children. 

A Week in the Life: Insights from the Interns

Mountain Top Explorium's after-school and school break programs focus on providing childcare infused with STEM and outdoor education. These programs are offered on a sliding fee scale, making them accessible to families for as little as $1 per day based on financial need. Interns participate in a variety of shifts, assisting with activities, interacting with children, and helping with setup and cleanup.

When asked about a typical day, Sheccid shared, "It was nice to be in action to learn rather than just in class. And I was excited to learn more about teaching." Josceline added, "My first day at Mountain Top with [Student Name] and I fell in love with the way her brain thinks and her different responses. I was so excited to learn about the students and what they bring to the program."

Both interns embraced the dynamic nature of working with children. "Something new is that every day will be different and scheduled plans are likely to change," Josceline noted. "I've learned to embrace the chaos with flexibility." Sheccid highlighted the learning opportunities that came with managing challenging behaviors. "Students have challenging behaviors, so I learned how to manage those behaviors and redirect students. It was nice to work together through challenging behaviors or days with students."

For Sheccid, the April school break week was a highlight. "That was the week I felt like I learned more and connected with the kids more. It made me feel good that I can do something good for a kid." Josceline found immense reward in the connections she built. "As a member of Mountain Top, I didn’t fully realize that I was making a change until all the students called out my name in excitement. They were all excited to see me and give hugs. I will forever carry that memory with me."

Impact and Future Aspirations

The internship has had a profound impact on both Sheccid and Josceline. "This internship has helped me learn how to communicate with students and what to say when a student is in a challenging behavior," Sheccid shared. "It is helpful right now with my brother too so I can learn and understand him on a deeper level and find the words to say things."

Josceline highly recommends the experience. "Absolutely – it is a good way to learn about different students and different backgrounds and leadership in general and in the classroom. I have taken patience and calmness more into my general life as well. I would absolutely recommend this experience to learn and explore different career paths in education."

Both Sheccid and Josceline will be extending their season as program facilitators with the Mountain Top Explorium Summer Day Camp, further solidifying their commitment to early childhood education before heading to college in Fall 2026. Josceline hopes to return to Summit School District as a teacher after completing her degree, bringing her talents full circle to inspire the next generation of students. Sheccid is committed to continuing her education at UNC.

The success of the Mountain Top Explorium Program Internship program in its inaugural year underscores the vital importance of providing hands-on, real-world experiences for aspiring educators. This partnership with Summit High School's CTE and Early Childhood Education programs not only benefits the interns by equipping them with invaluable skills and insights but also enriches the lives of the children participating in Mountain Top Explorium's programs. As the program continues to grow, Mountain Top Explorium looks forward to fostering the next generation of compassionate and skilled educators.

Josceline's dedication to becoming a Kindergarten teacher has driven her to seek out valuable experiences, including attending the UNC Future Teacher Conference and independently arranging job shadowing opportunities. Most notably, she is the first student to secure an ECE Internship with Mountain Top Explorium and will continue supporting their summer camp initiatives before heading to college in Fall 2026 as an elementary education major.