After launching a pilot program last year, the school is now requiring all students not in a vocational program to do an internship in their senior year.
An overview of the program was given to students by guidance counselor Jacqueline Hayes and education technician Jimmy Pirrello at a workshop on Wednesday morning. Students also heard from Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry Executive Director Craig Pendleton, Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce Marketing Manager Meagan Poirier and Goodwill Industries Youth Services Coordinator Diane Girling.
Students will research potential internship sites, meet with school staff, and have an internship in place by January.
Through the internship program, students must work at least 30 hours on site in a career field of choice. Students must also write a reflection piece, make a presentation, and attend a resume and interview workshop.
Students were encouraged to pursue the internship of their choice.
“We want you to guys to have an opportunity to find something you’re really excited about,” said Hayes.
Pirrello said someone did an internship in a school in Norway last year.
“Anything is possible,” he said. “This is your internship.”
Hayes said everyone who participated in an internship the previous year learned something valuable. Some learned that they loved the field they had chosen, others learned that maybe they should pursue something else.
School Board member Carol Marcotte, who is also an associate professor of Teachers Education at the University of New England told students she was a first generation college graduate. She said she didn’t go to college until she was in her 30s, and became interested in teaching after doing an internship in a school. She told students that internships are a very valuable experience.
“The sky is the wide open,” she said. “There are so many opportunities for you out there.”
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].
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