More Than a Paycheck: MCPS Teens Turn Summer Jobs Into Real-World Experience

July 17, 2025 – By Javier Rivas

MCPS students get more than just a paycheck at their summer jobs

For many Montgomery County Public School students, summer isn’t just for getting rest and hanging out with friends, it’s also time to gain experience and earn a paycheck. Many teens take this time to get a taste of the working world. I spoke with three MCPS students about their summer jobs, how they’ve found them and how they juggle school-prep with their jobs. 

Nora’s experience at a Martial Arts Camp

Nora, a rising senior, spends weekdays at a local Martial Arts Camp in Rockville, where she once did Taekwondo herself. 

“I found the job through a friend who still goes there and knows the manager,” she said. “She helped us get connected, and I got hired.”

“Honestly, my favorite part of the job is having a set schedule. It gives my summer some structure,” Nora said. “Working with kids is super rewarding, it’s so fun to help them learn new skills.” 

Nora got the job primarily to make money, but she enjoys the independence it gives her. Balancing work and school-prep isn’t easy, but she’s able to make time to hang out with friends. 

“I do get overwhelmed sometimes, but I always try to keep weekends or evenings free to catch up with friends or review some material for school,” she said. She admitted to feeling overwhelmed occasionally but makes an effort to reserve weekends and evenings for socializing with friends or catching up on schoolwork.

Ansuya at the Farmers Market

Ansuya, a senior, has found herself working every saturday at the Rockville Farmers Market. She found the job while browsing through the city’s website and reaching out to vendors. 

“I wanted something that wouldn’t take up the whole week, and this was perfect,” She explained. 

She doesn’t just get a paycheck out of working there. “There’s a great community vibe, I love talking to customers and having relationships with the other vendors and always being around fresh produce.” 

“It’s refreshing to be outside, rather than being stuck inside all day,” She added. “I don’t mind the early mornings at all.” 

Since she works once a week, she has no trouble finding time for school-prep and friends. “My schedule allows me to have time for school stuff during the week and still some income.”

John’s internship

John, a rising senior, landed an internship for an aerospace engineering company, which he worked very hard to find.

“I emailed a ton of companies, like, a lot. One eventually emailed back. I wanted to get real experience in engineering since it’s something I’d like to do in the future after high school,” He said.

At the internship, John assists in data analysis, basic simulations, and sits in on team meetings. “It’s something I love already, stuff I didn’t even learn in high school.”

Even though the work can get intense, he appreciates the hussle since it can help him in the future. He has created a schedule for himself to school work. “I work during the day, and study in the evening. I don’t get a lot of time for my friends apart from a day or two a week, but I need it for college,” He said. 

Investing in the future

For these MCPS students, their summer jobs are more than just a paycheck or a way to pass the time, their jobs allow them to build real connections and gain important experience. Teens across the county are learning real-world experience might be the best. 

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