In response to the lack of meaningful internship opportunities for first- and second-year architecture students, Spring Shadow Studio presents an innovative externship program that bridges the gap between academia and practice. This collaborative initiative, created by Hampton University School of Architecture, AIA Coastal Virginia, and VANOMA, offers a one-week, hands-on field experience during Spring Break 2025. Students will be placed with participating firms, where they will shadow architects, take part in hard-hat tours, engage in professional development workshops, and tackle a design challenge. This session will explore the need for such programs, hearing directly from the student who advocated for such a program, the planning and development process, and the tangible outcomes of the Spring Shadow Studio experience. We will also discuss how this model can be replicated in other regions, empowering educators and local AIA and NOMA chapters to collaborate and create similar opportunities for students. Through mentorship and real-world exposure, Spring Shadow Studio is laying the foundation for the next generation of architects, and it’s a program that can inspire and be adapted by others across the profession.