fuel your future with us this summer

Internship Interest Form (Takes <2 minutes)

Apply for a spot today! (Applications Close May 1, 2026)

2025 Program Partners*

Program Goal

Help students find their purpose by developing high demand, marketable skills and bridge the gap between high school and a successful career.

Intern Requirements

Rising Junior or Senior in Richland School District Two
Commit to Time and Date Requirements of Internship (See FAQ)
Provide Transportation to and from Blythewood High School
If selected, provide the Internship Fee (See FAQ)

*We are currently in the process of securing funding for summer 2026. Program applicants will be updated in May about our current funding status.

Working at the Bengal Biodiesel internship was one of my favorite things I have done. I got the experience of working in a team, in a genuine lab, and with a goal to be dedicated to. There are many great memories of activities, people, and events that I obtained through this internship. I am grateful for the experiences I had and will cherish them for a long time.

Program Graduate - Spring Valley High School

Program Overview

Industrial internships are hard for high school students to obtain because of competitive candidate pools (often college and other older students) and each company’s policies and needs. Thanks to the generosity of our partners, we are able to offer all Richland Two Students an industrial internship experience at Blythewood High School. The 2026 Bengal Biodiesel Summer Program will allow 30 students to experience a six (6) week unpaid internship that will allow students the opportunity to gain industry experience through upcycling used cooking oil into sustainable biodiesel fuel. This six (6) week program will run 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Monday through Thursday (June 1 - 25 and July 6 - 16, 2025) where Interns will become immersed in the biodiesel production process, acquire real-world skills/certifications, lead teams, and build connections with local industry professionals. (See FAQ for dates)

Apply for a spot today! (Applications Close May 1, 2026)

Biodiesel Summer Internship Interest Meeting

Previous Year (2025) Meeting Recording - 4/10/25

Internship Learning Outcomes

Obtain Industry Recognized Certifications
- OSHA 10 - Hour Certification
- Lean White Belt
Demonstrate College and Career Readiness
- Earn High School Work Based Learning Credit
Complete Site Based Training
- Industrial and Laboratory Safety Training
- Continuous Improvement Training (5S)

Build Skill and Performance Portfolio
- Individual Analysis Certification
- Production Training Certification
- Develop a résumé to showcase the skills learned
Gain over 170 hours of industry experience
- Work together with others to accomplish goals
Connect with community and local business partners

Frequently asked Questions

What do past interns & parents have to say about this experience?

“I now feel more confident with taking charge and being a leader. This program gave me the confidence to leap forward and try new things.”

- Spring Valley High School, Class of 2025

“My child is so proud of the work she's doing, telling me about the accomplishments she makes each day. In her words, she hates getting up to go to school each day but has no problem getting up to go to this internship.”

- Parent of Intern

“This experience has shown me that you can do so much more than you think you can. I remember thinking the first week there was absolutely no way I'd understand anything. Now, I've not only understood what I'm doing but I feel confident in my actions.”

- Spring Valley High School, Class of 2025

“The teamwork, communication, and adaptability skills I have gained from this experience will be helpful later in my life and accomplish my goals.”

- Blythewood High School, Class of 2025

“One meaningful takeaway I had was how to organize documents effectively and manage my time.”

- Spring Valley High School , Class of 2025

“I’ve learned the importance of being flexible and working together. We had multiple challenges that required us to work together and come up with ways to overcome them.”

- Richland Northeast High School, Class of 2025

When will this Internship be offered?

This internship will be 4 days a week (Monday - Thursday) from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM for 6 weeks from June 1 - 25 and July 6 - 16, 2025.

Is this internship beginner friendly?

Of course! This internship is designed for beginners and we have designed our processes so that anyone who is committed to doing their best will succeed.

How much does this program cost?

Thanks to the generosity our partners*, we are able to offer this experience free of charge to students! Once selected, the only cost required is a $100 deposit to secure your spot. This deposit will be returned at the end of the program when the intern completes all program requirements.

*We are currently in the process of securing funding for summer 2026. Program applicants will be updated in May about our current funding status.

Where is this Internship Program located?

This Internship Opportunity is located at Blythewood High School (10901 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016) in the Bengal Biodiesel Lab.

With this program being all day, what is the plan for lunch?

Most days, interns are expected to bring their lunch. We have a fridge/freezer and a microwave for students to use. We will communicate which the days where the program provides lunch for interns.

What are the time commitments required for the internship?

Every Intern is expected to be at the Bengal Biodiesel Lab from 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM every day during the program (See "When will this internship be offered?" for more information). We understand that there can be reasons to miss a day or two (sickness, emergency, etc.), but we want to ensure that all selected Interns will take full advantage of this opportunity.

How many internships will you be able to support?

We are currently able to support up to 30 interns. While current and former Bengal Biodiesel students are welcome to apply, priority will be given to those applicants who haven't experienced the program before.

Is there a GPA requirement for this program?

No, an applicants GPA will not be considered in the selection process. We believe that any student who does their best will be successful in our program.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

We are happy to answer any questions that you have! You can either bring them with you to the Interest Meeting or fill out this Google Form and a member of our team will reach out to you.