Science-oriented (STEM) high schools frequently collaborate with universities and industry partners to prepare students for future STEM careers by integrating academic learning with practical experience. Examples:

• P-TECH Norwalk High School, Connecticut — Partnership among Norwalk Public Schools, IBM, and Norwalk Community College (now CT State Community College Norwalk) to offer students a combined high school diploma and associate degree program. Students engage in mentorships, worksite visits, and internships with companies like IBM, General Electric (GE), and Prudential, gaining practical experience in STEM fields. The program emphasizes individualized learning and real-world applications, preparing students for various career paths.
• Brooklyn STEAM Center, New York—Collaborates with local industries to provide high school students with courses leading to certifications in fields such as cybersecurity, design and engineering, and full-stack development. This partnership aims to ensure that students receive relevant training aligned with current industry needs. The Center is situated within the Brooklyn Navy Yard, a 300-acre industrial park housing over 500 businesses in advanced industries. Occupying the third floor of Building 77, the center provides students with direct exposure to industry professionals and real-world work environments. This strategic location fosters daily interactions between students and industry partners, integrating educational programs with practical workplace experiences.
• Illinois Science & Technology Institute (ISTI) STEM Challenges—Facilitates collaborations between high schools and industry partners like Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Argonne National Laboratory. Students participate in STEM challenges, working on real-world problems alongside professionals, which enhances their problem-solving skills and exposes them to potential career paths.
• Mid-America STEM High School, Kansas—Partnership with a local STEM business to transform the quality of STEM education. This collaboration provides students with authentic learning opportunities, increasing their likelihood of pursuing STEM-related postsecondary pathways.
• NAF Academies (NAF)—Formerly known as the National Academy Foundation, this is a nonprofit organization that supports career academies within traditional high schools across the U.S. Each academy focuses on themes like finance, hospitality, information technology, engineering, and health sciences. By partnering with local industries, NAF academies provide students with internships and work-based learning experiences, preparing them for college and careers.