Did you know that education has a direct correlation to economic development and vitality of your community?

Does your industry have a pipeline problem because young people do not know or seem interested in a career in your field?

Would you like to be recognized by the public and private sector as a leader in changing the lives of youth in West County?

Is your business willing to join with other local businesses to motivate local youth and to develop the next generation workforce by providing or sponsoring a much needed summer internship?

Every business can help – we realize that on site interns are not practical for all businesses. We ask that you either partner as a host for a summer intern, or if you are unable to host an intern, that you sponsor one instead – sponsorship is more affordable than you think and will help other local businesses who can benefit from an internship but cannot afford to offer one.

We’re looking for internships that will teach and develop critical work-based skills needed for success.  Commitments are shorter than you may realize.  Typical internships are 3-5 days per week and last 4-5 weeks.

Where do intern candidates come from?

Currently the WCCUSD high school Pathways program focuses on 7 industry sectors: Engineering, Health, Information Technology, Media, Law, Performing Arts, and Tourism/Hospitality. Our purpose is to graduate students who are college AND career ready and who make productive and healthy choices. Some students choose to enter their pathway career field directly or to further their pathway knowledge and skills through college, while others may choose a different field.

The goal is to arm students with broadly transferrable skills so that regardless of their future career choice, they have gained workplace soft skills, transferrable career skills, and confidence.   In the classroom the students have been learning essential skills that are critical for success as citizens and workers in the 21^st century.  The Internship Program seeks to give students the opportunities to practice and continue to develop these skills.  These essential skills are as follows:

CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING

• Solve problems and make decisions
• Think creatively
• Learn through research
• Reflect and evaluate

COMMUNICATION

• Write clearly
• Speak distinctly
• Listen carefully and ask good questions
• Observe effectively

COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK

• Cooperate with others
• Give and receive feedback
• Negotiate challenges and resolve conflicts
• Plan and prioritize to reach a goal

MEDIA and TECHNOLOGY

• Use new and emerging technology
• Use responsible behavior regarding technology (“digital citizenship”)

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Manage time effectively
  • Demonstrate appropriate behavior and attire
  • Recognize and respond appropriately to workplace challenges
• Show initiative and work independently
• Be reliable and dependable

Internships are critically important for young people as they prepare for life after high school and they reinforce an important message: Learning and Earning are intrinsically related.

If you would like more information or to discuss project ideas, please reach out to Rebecca Ross with WCCUSD at [email protected] or by phone at 415-717-5128.