District Launches Student Communications Pathways Internship with ArtsQuest Partnership
Summary
Bethlehem Area SD will launch a credit-earning student communications internship in spring 2026; students from Liberty and Freedom High Schools will produce district content and may participate in programming at ArtsQuest's Creative Factory.
The Bethlehem Area School District on Monday unveiled a new student communications pathways internship intended to give high-school students hands-on experience in storytelling, journalism, video production and social media.
"This month, we are launching our new student communications pathways internship," said Jennifer Locanti, the district's new communications manager. Locanti said selected students from Liberty and Freedom High Schools will become part of a district-wide student media team as writers, photographers, videographers, graphic designers and social-media interns.
Locanti described a partnership with ArtsQuest and the Creative Factory, powered by PPL, that will provide access to production space and local professionals; the program could include apprenticeships and field trips. Amy Myers, the district career-pathways liaison, outlined the application and vetting process and said interns will keep daily activity logs, reflect weekly and be monitored by staff.
Board members raised typical oversight concerns. Dr. White cautioned about the time and learning curve for students and urged staff to avoid diverting students from academics; other board members suggested partnering with existing local programs and using PSBA to amplify student work. Staff said they will vet candidates and balance experience with accountability.
Next steps: promotional materials and social-media posts will go out immediately to solicit applications; interviews and selections are expected this semester, and the program will be monitored as it launches.
