Career Internship Program

The Career Internship Program is a school-to-work program that places students in 8-to-10 week internships related to students' career interests. In providing experiences in workplace settings, students learn to develop workplace competencies; work amicably and productively with others; and acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they will need in order to be productive and successful citizens in the 21st century.

Students gain hands-on experience by working with a professional in business, industry, government, the arts, or a civic organization during 8-to-10 week internships. As part of the requirements, students keep a daily log, submit weekly reports, and complete a final project. Interns are not paid but receive either ¼ credit for 75 hours or ½ credit for 150 hours, as well as a written evaluation for college, employment, or scholarship applications. Students usually work three afternoons a week after school.

At the work site, students are supported by a company employee (community advisor) who directs their work and learning. To connect the work experience to school, students select faculty who share their expertise, can answer students' questions, and assist them in developing a final project that showcases their experiences on the job.

Professional Development

The 1-day training workshop covers the components below:

• student recruitment practices and procedures,
• identification and recruiting of community-based organizations,
• development of public relations strategies to promote the program internally and in the community,
• troubleshooting,
• program supervisor site visits,
• community advisor and faculty advisor support,
• student documentation, and
• student and advisor recognition.

Costs and Funding Options

The 1-day training costs are $400. The program can be implemented with existing personnel. The designated Career Internship coordinator may be part-time and assigned to other duties: community service coordinator, co-op supervisor, career exploration, or shadowing program. Efforts are under way to organize an annual conference as a way to keep current with new developments and provide an opportunity to share individual experiences and render solutions to site-specific issues.