Juniors and seniors gain hands-on experience by working with a professional in business, government, industry, the arts, or a human service agency. Interns are not paid but receive school credit and a written evaluation for college or job applications. This program is based on the Career Development and Occupational Standard. Criteria for student selection are motivation, responsibility, transportation, initiative, and satisfactory academics. If selected by the employer, the student then begins work at the local business.
Students begin in entry-level positions and learn about the requirements of the individual business.
Work ethic behaviors such as coming to work on time, working hard, exhibiting proper workplace behaviors, etc. are stressed. Student responsibility increases with learned tasks. Students work three afternoons a week after school for a minimum of 75 hours. They provide their own transportation to and from the worksite. In their weekly reports, student interns state their activities, address their progress at the worksite, and discuss career awareness and career preparation issues.