The Village School Internship Program Expands with Record Growth and New Ambassador

At The Village School of Naples (TVS), we believe the best way to prepare students for tomorrow is to give them real-world experiences today. That’s why our Internship Program—now heading into its third year—is one of the fastest-growing and most impactful opportunities for Upper School students.

From medicine and law to design, technology, business, and the arts, our students are exploring careers, building confidence, and developing skills that will serve them for life.

📈 A Year of Remarkable Growth

According to Internship Program Director Mike Wexler, the growth in just one year has been extraordinary:

• Student participation increased by 150%, growing from 12 students to 30.
• Internship opportunities from community partners more than doubled, jumping from 23 to 53.

“The growth from year one to year two has been a testament to the dedication of our students and the support of our community,” said Wexler. “Our mission remains to trailblaze career readiness at an early juncture and inspire students to think big picture as they navigate their high school years.”

👨‍⚕️ Welcoming Dr. Brian Wallace as Internship Program Ambassador

This year, TVS proudly named Dr. Brian Wallace, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at the Joint Replacement Institute and father of two TVS students, as the official Internship Program Ambassador.

A longtime mentor to TVS interns, Dr. Wallace regularly welcomes students into his practice and is deeply committed to the program’s philosophy: “See one, do one, teach one.”

“It’s a true privilege to mentor young minds who are genuinely curious and eager to learn,” said Dr. Wallace. “This program bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. I’m proud to help TVS by leading that effort.”

Dr. Wallace joins a growing network of community mentors who are helping Knights connect their classroom learning to future careers.

🌟 Student Success Story: Designing a Future

This summer, TVS student Cruze Craig interned with Adelyn Charles Interiors, gaining firsthand experience in interior design.

“The experience gave me insight into what an entire day in interior design could bring. One day we were in a marketing meeting with a digital firm, and another day we were taking bunnies to an animal shelter that were found on a job site. I also had the opportunity to sit in on client and team meetings, which showed me how much effort goes into every project.”
— Cruze Craig, TVS Student

Experiences like Cruze’s are why the Internship Program is so meaningful: it allows students to explore passions early and see career possibilities up close.

👏 Community Partners Make It Possible

This summer, Barron Collier Companies welcomed TVS student Sting Gonzalez into their IT Department. Opportunities like this provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance for students to grow their skills in a professional setting.

We are grateful to every partner who invests in the next generation of leaders and helps our students shine.

🤝 Help Our Students Gain Real-World Experience

Are you or your company looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community? By becoming a TVS Internship Program Alliance Member, you can help students connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.

We are currently seeking opportunities for job shadowing and internships to help Knights develop skills, build confidence, and make informed decisions about their future. Even a few hours of mentorship can make a life-changing difference for a student.

📩 To learn more or get involved, contact Internship Program Director, Mike Wexler, at mwexler@tvsnaples.org.
 

With the support of leaders like Dr. Wallace and our growing community of partners, the future is bright for TVS students. Together, we are preparing Knights not just for college—but for life.

#TVSInternships #RealWorldLearning #FutureReady #KnightsForLife #NaplesFL #CommunityPartners
 

Q: What is the TVS Internship Program?
A: A program that connects Upper School students with real-world learning experiences in fields like medicine, law, business, technology, and the arts.

Q: Who can partner with TVS for internships?
A: Local businesses and professionals in Southwest Florida are invited to provide job shadowing and internship opportunities.

Q: How do I get involved?
A: Contact Internship Program Director, Mike Wexler, at mwexler@tvsnaples.org.