The Canton High School externship program provides seniors with a unique opportunity to engage in career exploration projects of their choice during their final term before graduation. This five-week independent study program allows students to learn in an educational environment not typically available in the classroom, fostering the development of real-life skills and appropriate workplace behaviors.

During their externship experiences at the Light Foundation, both Jaden and Tara gained invaluable insights and skills. Jaden highlighted the importance of learning Excel Spreadsheets, a fundamental skill for his future career in business. He also emphasized the significance of resilience, which he had to exercise in overcoming obstacles faced during the externship.

Tara, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue her passion for volunteering and highlighted thedevelopment of leadership, collaboration, and perseverance skills during her externship. She chose the Light Foundation based on her positive experience at their Leadership Conference as a sophomore, recognizing its impactful role in shaping student leaders.

The Light Foundation Leadership Conference is an annual event attended by high schools across Massachusetts, including Canton High School. This conference, which features activities and dialogues with inspirational leaders from various fields, fosters connections among students from different schools and leaves a lasting impact beyond the event itself. Jaden and Tara were proud to contribute to the success of the 2024 conference, recognizing its significance in empowering youth leadership.