Polygence Work Lab | Industry Mentorship Program

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Photo of Akash, Polygence Work Lab alumni student

“This is different than anything I’ve done in the past. We’re actually doing real-life work. This isn’t a hypothetical case study, we’re really putting this work out there and it’s making real impact.”
- Akash, rising senior

49% of Gen Z internship seekers are submitting more than 50 applications during their search.

For high school students already juggling grades, college applications and extracurriculars, this becomes a barrier to gaining real-world experience in their chosen field.

That's why we created Work Lab, a new way for high school students to gain hands-on experience and work directly with innovative startups without the overwhelming internship search.
Students receive structured training directly from their host company, then immediately apply what they've learned to a real project based on the needs of the business. This means learning new skills and using them right away to solve real problems.

The Experience That Gets You Ready for College—And the Real World.

Forget boring internships full of shadowing and busywork. At Polygence, you’ll start with focused, real-world training from a startup founder, learning the tools, workflows and problem-solving approaches professionals actually use. Then you'll put that training into action on a real project, tackling creative, hands-on work where you'll problem-solve, make decisions, and see your impact—while building the confidence and experience that prepare you for whatever comes next.

You’ll begin with dedicated training, and then dive into a real company project.

Build professionalism & skills while contributing to a company’s growth.

Complete project and showcase your work icon

Complete your project and showcase the results on your resume or in your portfolio.

Past Work Lab Projects

Polygence Work Lab high school students have worked with host companies from industries ranging from Technology and Healthcare to Sustainability & Non-Profit.
Summer 2026 opportunities will be released in April. Here are some of the past projects our students have worked on.

Join a project where you’ll review and clean 3D models of real-world industrial equipment using tools like MeshLab or Blender. You’ll also gain experience in how autonomous systems capture these models and how internal tools support the process. Perfect for high school students interested in computer vision, automation, and building real skills with professional software.

Program Details

Work Lab is an exciting training and project-based learning experience where motivated high school students build real skills—then team up with innovative non-profits and startup founders to apply them to real-world challenges and create something meaningful. Here's how it works:

Program Duration & Important Dates

Polygence runs multiple Work Lab cohorts during Summer, each offering unique project opportunities and its own application deadline. Each cohort lasts 6 weeks: you'll start with around 10 hours of focused training, then move on to roughly 40 hours of project work, which can be completed at your own pace within the program period.

Project Format

Location: Remote, U.S. Hours
Time Commitment: 10 hours of training and 40 hours of project work, over the course of 6 weeks.
Mentorship Structure:
- Starts with mandatory training sessions: Workplace etiquette with Polygence, then Industry training from the host company.
- Project work starts with a project kickoff meeting
- Five weekly check-in meetings with your host company contact
- Host provides guidance and feedback, but you’ll lead the work
- Concludes with a final project presentation and direct feedback

What’s Included?

Industry training sessions with your host company
A resume-worthy project based on the real needs of the business
Five weekly host manager meetings for guidance, including a final project presentation
Asynchronous support from your host (via email, Slack, Teams, etc.)
Weekly written feedback from your host manager
Opportunity to request a letter of reference based on your performance (not guaranteed)
Workplace etiquette workshop to prepare you for professional settings
Program success workshop to ensure you get the most out of your experience
BONUS: Work Lab students get invited into the Polygence Thinking Lab, monthly workshops focused on practicing the Art of Thinking

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Learning Outcomes

Build real-world problem-solving and independent work skills
Strengthen professional communication and collaboration
Gain exposure to startup environments and industry tools
Develop time management, goal-setting, and workplace readiness
Create a portfolio-worthy project and explore career interests

Tuition & Affordability

This is a tuition-based training program that offers structured training and a project-based learning experience, with industry mentors compensated for their time, guidance, and mentorship. Discounts may be available. Apply to learn more.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be 15 years or older
Must be mature, responsible, and self-motivated
Must be able to work independently and communicate professionally
Some projects require advanced skills like coding
This is a selective program for students ready to take initiative and follow through
If a parent feels unsure about their student’s maturity, or believes they’ll need to help their student through the project, the student is not a fit for the program
No refunds will be issued for failure to complete the program due to immaturity, lack of follow-through, or unmet host manager expectations

Apply Now

Are you up for the challenge? Start your application today.

Get Inspired - Past Work Lab Student Projects

Designing AI-Based Online Tools to Build Financial Literacy in Underserved Communities

Expanding Lung Cancer Screening Awareness through Community Outreach for a non-profit

Building a Portable Field Research Toolkit for a company

Exploring new connections for a cutting edge skincare company

Improving Healthcare Accuracy by Automating Data Extraction for Doctors

Build the Social Media presence of an innovative social event platform

Work Lab FAQs

1. What is Polygence Work Lab and how is it different from a typical internship?
Work Lab is a project-based program where high school students work with startups and nonprofits on real projects. Instead of shadowing or doing repetitive tasks, students go through training and then contribute to actual work. You are expected to think, make decisions, and follow through on a project that matters to the company.

2. How do students get hands-on experience in the program?
Students start with training from their host company, then move straight into project work. You will use real tools, work on real problems, and contribute to something the company actually needs. The focus is on doing the work, not watching someone else do it.

3. What kinds of skills do students build?
Students practice solving problems, communicating clearly, managing their time, and working through open-ended tasks. You also get exposure to how teams operate and how work actually gets done in a professional setting.

4. Do students need prior experience to join?
No. Many projects are designed for students who are starting from scratch. You will get training before the project begins. Some projects do require specific skills, like coding, but many are open to students who are ready to learn and take the work seriously.

5. How does Work Lab help students build critical thinking skills?
You are not following a script. Students are expected to figure things out, ask questions, and adjust their approach based on feedback. The work is open-ended, which means you have to make decisions and think through problems as they come up.