RALEIGH, N.C. -- The North Carolina Highway Patrol is launching this month a 40-hour high school internship program designed to increase positive relationships among youth across the state. 

A news release from the patrol says the program is designed to provide students with real-life perspectives on a career in law enforcement while improving the efficiency of the agency. 

Participants will perform several non-enforcement related duties while following the same professional standards expected of uniform personnel. 

Interns will have four mandatory tasks prior to graduating from the program, including observation of a patrol district office and a tour of a jail. Participants will also do a ride-along with a trooper. On the required tasks are completed, interns will have to write an essay summarizing their experience, after which they will receive a graduation certificate.