Gain an edge in admissions with guaranteed internships guided by industry mentors.

Colleges are looking for more than numbers—they want stories, initiative, and real-world skills.
Guaranteed internship
Yet most high schoolers:
Have no meaningful work experience
Can’t articulate their passions
Submit applications that look like everyone else’s
This program fixes that — with a guaranteed internship and expert-led placement support every step of the way.
Internship Matching Based on Interests
Weekly Check-Ins With an Industry Mentor
Real Project Experience With Reputable Companies
Remote, Flexible Schedule (2–3 months, ~10 hrs/week)
Optional résumé formatting guidance upon request
Not a paid job
Not a college credit class
Not generic volunteer hours
✅ It’s a real-world, project-based internship with accountability and support
Wants deeper mentorship over multiple weeks
Can commit 5 to 10 hours per week
Needs strong resume or application differentiation
Is targeting selective colleges
Would benefit from sustained accountability and support
Wants short-term, real-world experience
Is testing a specific industry
Needs a resume-ready project quickly
Thrives is structured, time-bound programs
Is age 15 or older and ready for a selective experience
| Category | CCC Startup Internships | Polygence Work Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Mentored startup internship | Short-term, project-based internship |
| Partner | Powered by Ladder | Powered by Polygence |
| Student Level | High school and select college students | High school students (15+) |
| Primary Goal | Deep professional experience and mentorship | Real-world exposure and resume-ready work |
| Ideal Student Profile | Students seeking depth, accountability, and strong application differentiation | Students testing an industry or gaining experience quickly |
| Structure | One-on-one mentorship with a startup | Cohort-based with host companies |
| Duration | 8 weeks | 5 to 6 weeks |
| Weekly Time Commitment | 5 to 10 hours | Approximately 8 hours |
| Launch Startup Internships | Polygence Work Lab | |
|---|---|---|
| Project Scope | Substantial, multi-week professional project | Tightly scoped, short-term real-world project |
| Mentorship | Weekly one-on-one meetings with startup mentor | Weekly meetings with host company contact |
| Training | Integrated professional mentorship | Mandatory professional and workplace training |
| Output | Completed professional project | Completed project and final presentation |
| Letter of Recommendation | Included | Opportunity to request |
| Certificate | Included | Included |
| Selectivity | Guaranteed placement once enrolled | Selective, limited spots |
| Enrollment Style | Fixed Cohorts | Fixed Cohorts |

Step 1. Apply to the Program
Complete the application, registration, and payment.

Step 2. Meet with Advisor & Select Your Internship Focus
Talk through your teen’s interests and strengths with a mentor, then choose the industry where they’ll thrive.

Step 3. Get Matched to a Company
Our mentor will work hard with you to update your resume and get you matched with a company.

Step 4. Complete 2–3 Month Internship
(10 hrs/week)
Learn from experts and gain valuable work experience.

Step 5. Showcase Experience on Applications & Essays
Stand out in your college applications and have a fantastic essay topic to separate yourself from your competition.
Yes. This program is designed specifically for motivated students in grades 9–12 who want to gain real-world experience before college.
No. These internships are unpaid but offer immense value in building real skills, exploring career paths, and standing out in college applications.
100% remote. Students from anywhere in the U.S. can participate from home on a flexible schedule.
Internships typically last 2–3 months with a 10-hour per week commitment—flexible around school and extracurriculars.

Innovation
Fresh, creative solutions.

Integrity
Honesty and transparency.

Excellence
Top-notch services.

Address: 10130 Mallard Creek Rd, Suite 300, Charlotte, N.C. 28262
Tel: 704-944-3543
Email: [email protected]
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