When the small staff of computer backup data company 3X Systems brings a high school intern on board, they expect a lot from that person. Like help improving their customer service, formal research that may inform their future business decisions, even programming that will help  improve the quality of their products.

“But only if the student is from Metro.”

Metro’s approach to community partnerships is decidedly different from the route high schools have traditionally taken. Rather than treating internships as something that companies may want to do as an act community goodwill, Metro aggressively seeks out ways that its STEM curriculum can provide something of concrete value to businesses and organizations that are willing to mentor its students.

Over the course of his trimester-long internship, Metro student Matthew Peterman spent time at 3X testing their data appliances. He even created a new way to test them more rigorously to ensure their quality, which the company plans to continue to use.

Peterman also researched and rated multiple software options that the small company will use to improve its system for customer support. He also explored and tested the best software environments for the company to begin to develop a Macintosh platform.

“I really enjoyed working in the smaller, relaxed environment,” Peterman told the group at his internship exhibition, as he considered what size and type of workplace he’d like to work in eventually. “I got to see all parts of the company. It’s sort of nice to have the CEO two desks over so you’re all working together as a team.”