Designing your internship program Blog by scottdixon

Lancaster High School (outside of Buffalo, NY) has developed an unique method for meeting its internship needs. To overcome the negative perception many employers have regarding high school students and reduce the risk an employer must take in regard to paying an unproven intern, we have combined an existing internship program at our school with the NAF paid internship. In the first two years of implementation we have had 100% paid internship placement.

Posts: 2 | Created on November 13, 2008 |  

The applicationand placement process.

By scottdixon in Designing your internship program on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 12:45 PM  
Post a Comment

The internship program at our high school provides opportunity for all students.  This opportunity, however, is limited to unpaid positions through our CEIP program (Career Exploration Internship Program).  Each semester, the CEIP program will place 50-100 students into unpaid exploratory positions.

 

Due to the reach of this program and its impact on student preparedness for the workplace, the Academy of Finance decided to include the CEIP course into its curriculum.   Students take the class as second semester juniors where they develop resume's, learn dining and business etiquette, discuss different work rules, assessments, policies, etc.   Academy of Finance students complete the 54 hour internship requirement before moving into a paid position.   Employers appreciate this opportunity to both teach the students about the workplace and to build a relationship prior to compensating them for productive work.

 

To apply for the CEIP program, students complete an application and must receive three teacher recommendations.  The application also includes the student's top three choices for career placement.  Since many Academy of Finance students are interested in finance, it is usually a top choice.  However, many AOF students are interested in other careers, for which placements are found.  As the placement is confirmed, it is expected that the employer will include a significant portion of the internship to include exposure or work related to finance.   

 

For example:  A student that is interested in education may work with a teacher for a few weeks and then assist with end of year auditing work for all extra-curricular activities.

 

 

By having the two tiered internship program, students are able to pursue the career field for which they are interested as well as complete work in the financial sector.

 

For more information you may visit  www.lancasterschools.org/finance

Overview of the Lancaster High School internship program.

By scottdixon in Designing your internship program on Thursday, November 13, 2008 2:49 PM  
Tags: internships | 2 Comments Post a Comment

Our internship program has two basic elements which combine an existing internship program with the NAF model.   Our internship coordinator, Sandra Hope, takes the lead to ensure all students are placed into an internship that will best suit the student and the employer.

Basic Design:

Part 1-LEARNING:  The UNPAID training internship.   This 54 hour internship is recognized by the New York State Education Department and earns 1/2 high school credit.  Students are placed at their internship in February.  They attend class 1 day per week and receive an early dismissal to attend their internship for approximately 4 hours per week.  Students write journals and maintain a log of hours.

Part 2-EARNING: The PAID productive internship.   Upon completion of the unpaid internship, students continue with their internship provider as a paid productive employee provided they have met the employers expectations.  (In other words, if the employer or student aren't happy, the internship may end here).  This internship continues for 130 hours until completion.   Students must submit journals or blogs (student choice), proof of compensation and receive a positive evaluation from their internship mentor.   This translates into a 1/2 high school credit which serves as confirmation of internship completion.


Next Post:  Student application and selection of internship placements.
 

Members

Click a thumbnail to view the profile of a NAF Collaboration Network member: