Senior Internships and Co-op

Senior Internship (#590)
Senior Co-operative Work Experience (#595)
Senior Internship
This program will be offered to North Reading High School seniors who are in good academic standing. These internships will be unpaid and will run for the entire school year. The last block of each school day will be utilized for the program and upon successful completion of the internship, the student will earn one or two credits depending upon whether the internship meets every other day or every day. The program will give students the opportunity to learn about potential careers by performing daily duties associated with that career, using current technology, and having direct contact with work supervisors. It will reveal to the students those areas of skill and knowledge that are required to attain particular career goals. The students will be able to evaluate career options based on their interests and abilities through direct exposure to the workplace.
 

Before embarking on the internship the student will research, identify, and contact potential internship sites. In addition, students are required to complete a Student Application for Senior Internship/Co-op. The application must be accompanied by all required permissions and authorizations (see form). The student will keep workplace journals (daily logs), which will be presented to the school-based coordinator. At the end of the experience, a written report on the student’s workplace experience will be provided to the school-based coordinator. Students will be encouraged to maintain a Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan.

Enrollment in a senior internship is subject to the approval of the high school principal or his/her designee. In order to remain in an internship, students must maintain satisfactory progress in all their courses. In school and at the work site, students must maintain acceptable attendance and display acceptable conduct. This course is a senior elective and will not meet graduation requirements in Digital Learning and Entrepreneurship.

Co-operative Work Experience
The Co-operative Work Experience is an educational program for senior students that combines learning and practical work experiences. This program assists students in making career choices, preparing for careers, developing a vocational identity, and making the transition to the world of work. Co-operative Work Experiences are typically paid positions.
 

Co-operative Work-Experiences should take place at a company or organization at which the student is likely to seek full-time employment after high school or in a vocational/career area directly related to the student’s postsecondary plans. Students are required to complete a Student Application for Senior Internship/Co-op. The application must be accompanied by all required permissions and authorizations (see form). The student will keep workplace journals (daily logs), which will be presented to the school-based coordinator. At the end of the experience, a written report on the student’s workplace experience will be provided to the school-based coordinator. Students will be encouraged to maintain a Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan.

In order to receive credit for this course, students must maintain good attendance, receive passing grades in all courses, and maintain good job performance and good conduct in school as well as at their work site. Enrollment in a Co-operative Work Experience is subject to the approval of the high school principal or his/her designee. This course is a senior elective and will not meet graduation requirements Digital Learning and Entrepreneurship.  

The following steps are required for students seeking to obtain approval of an internship or co-operative work experience (co-op):

  • At the time of course selection, the student will select eight “typical” classes and three alternates for the senior year.  The Senior Internship or Co-op, if approved, will be added to the student’s course selections later in the scheduling process.  
  • The student will research, identify, and contact potential internship or co-op sites. 
    • Please note that students can go to the link near the bottom of this page to access a site that includes a listing of potential internship placements.  However, students are also encouraged to, and welcome to, seek out their own placements.
  • Upon securing an internship site, the student must complete a Student Application for Senior Internship/Co-op. 
    • The application must be accompanied by:
      • 1) a letter of commitment from the individual who will supervise the student within the workplace, and
      • 2) the required letter/note from a parent/guardian (see the application for details). 
  • Students may print a Student Application for Senior Internship/Co-op by going to the the bottom of this page and clicking to download the document. 
  • The student will submit his/her completed application and the accompanying documents to his/her guidance counselor.   

Links

Click here for a list of potential internship sites.   

Click Below for the Student Application for Senior Internship/Co-op