As I noted in my Back-to-School Letter in August, high school seniors now have the opportunity to complete an internship through which they may earn an elective credit. Internships are an option for students in all career tracks.
This program is the result of months of work completed last school year by High School Principal Steve Herman and Guidance Counselor Fred Engelhardt. Both visited numerous businesses to explain the program and discuss possible internships. The internship site/supervisor is asked to provide an internship experience that exposes the student to a range of assignments, experiences, or opportunities that will allow the student to develop knowledge and skills related to his/her identified career interest. The launch of the program occurred last spring when the school hosted an Internship Expo for all members of the junior class. Students learned about the Internship Program, including its requirements and benefits. Speakers from three businesses offered examples of possible internship opportunities in various career fields.
Students who participate in an internship receive elective credit for this experience. Students may choose to have an internship for either a half or full school year. Each week students must complete a Knowledge and Skills Tracker Worksheet that is reviewed by the high school’s internship advisor. Students meet monthly with this advisor to review progress. The internship site supervisor evaluates the intern’s performance at the end of the internship.
During the current school year, we have eight students placed in seven different businesses in the area. Four students are interning in the health care field, one student in the veterinary field, one in social work, one in engineering, and one in landscaping. Participating businesses are responsible for providing approved field experiences, and documenting the hours that the intern has completed. The school reviews each intern’s progress monthly. These reviews include on-site visits. Internship students are required to complete a culminating project that includes a portfolio that documents what they have completed in their internship.
The internship program provides students with valuable experience that will help them as they pursue post-secondary opportunities in higher education or in the workforce. Internship students learn about the skills needed in their chosen career. They also learn about the personal characteristics needed (including consistent attendance) to succeed. Many students also learn how their career relates with, and depends upon, other skills and careers in the field.
Fleetwood Area High School is one of nine high schools in the county to provide internships for students. Thanks go to the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce and the Berks Business Education Coalition for their assistance in the development of our program.
Upcoming Events in the Fleetwood Area School District:
November 22 – Parent Conferences; Early Dismissal for Elementary and Middle School Students
November 23 – Parent Conferences; No School for Elementary and Middle School Students, Early Dismissal for High School Students
November 24 – 28 Thanksgiving Holiday, No School
The Board of Education will hold meetings on November 8th and 15th at 7 p.m.
