In response to the smaller number of meaningful internship opportunities for first- and second-year architecture students, the Spring Shadow Studio presents an innovative externship program that bridges the gap between academia and practice. This collaborative initiative, created by Hampton University Department of Architecture, AIA Coastal Virginia, and the Virginia NOMA Chapter (VANOMA), offered a one-week, hands-on field experience during Spring Break 2025 for lower-division architecture students at Hampton University. Students were placed with participating firms where they shadowed architects, took part in hard-hat site tours, engaged in professional development workshops, and tackled a charette-styled design challenge. This session will explore the need for such programs, the planning and development process, and the tangible outcomes of the Spring Shadow Studio experience. Panelists will also discuss how this model can be replicated in other regions, empowering educators and firms to collaborate and create similar opportunities for students needing to find a foothold in a profession that has challenges with achieving a diverse culture. Through mentorship and real-world exposure, Spring Shadow Studio is laying the foundation for the next generation of architectural leaders. Further, this program can inspire other NOMA chapters and be adapted by others across higher education and the profession.