PEORIA, Ariz. – Peoria Unified expanded its STEM-focused internships for students by partnering with HyRel Technologies, an international semiconductor modification provider. Two Peoria Unified students from Liberty High School have joined the program this school year in hopes of learning more about robotics, engineering and semiconductor manufacturing or even becoming HyRel employees. This is the second year that HyRel has accepted Peoria Unified interns into its program.

Liberty High senior, Michael Gayman, shares his thoughts on the internship while simultaneously programming a computer, “I’ve loved it so far. It allows me to be creative. I can design many different things and apply them in ways that I didn’t even realize. I’ve learned so much and I’m excited to learn more.”

Student interns obtain industry-level experience as they engage in micro robotic platform and circuit assembly projects.

HyRel president and founder, Brian Watson, said, “They’ve done more than exceed the expectations…We are incredibly proud of their growth and achievements. Welcoming them into the HyRel fold has been a rewarding experience, and we look forward to seeing their contributions continue to elevate our team.”

Both Peoria Unified interns have taken all available engineering courses at their high school and plan to cap off their Career and Technical (CTE) Education studies with this internship. The district will continue to partner with HyRel Technologies as the company hopes to expand their internship program to include 30 to 50 students in various companies across the valley. Peoria Unified is proud to offer a wide range of internship opportunities for its students, propelling them into action in a modern workforce.

“Peoria Unified CTE programs provide students with opportunities to gain real-world, hands-on work experiences to prepare them for their future,” says Barbara Coakley, Director of Peoria Unified’s CTE program.

For interviews or visual opportunities, please contact the Peoria Unified Public Relations department at 623-486-6100 or pusdpr@pusd11.net.

Established in Arizona’s Northwest Valley, the Peoria Unified School District brings over 130 years of educational distinction to students and families. Within Peoria Unified’s 43 unique, public schools, a variety of programs are designed to meet the needs of all students, including S.T.E.A.M., arts education, special education, gifted education, career and technical education and much more for pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students. Since 1889, Peoria Unified has achieved academic and athletic excellence through and with its students and families. To continue its long history of success, the district maintains its focus on four key components of its strategic plan: Student Success, Safety and Well-Being, Stewardship of Community Resources and Community Connection. The Peoria Unified School District is fully committed to ensuring that “Every student, every day, is prepared to shape tomorrow.”