employer internship guide...provide insight into entrepreneurship or public service. students...

BUILDING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE…TODAY! 1

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Employer Internship Guide

Seminole County Public Schools


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Dear Valued Community Partner,

Thank you so much for your interest in hosting an intern from Seminole County Public Schools. A community’s future economic competitiveness and long term success are tied directly to the quality and skills of its workforce (National League of Cities, 2010). Partnering with Seminole County Public Schools to develop opportunities for students to enter the workforce better prepares students to pursue their career aspirations. Through the district’s workplace learning program, high school students apply their classroom learning to authentic industry settings through internships to cultivate the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the modern economy.

Since its inception, ePathways has worked with local employers to provide nearly 250 internships to high school students. These internships provide students with exposure to a variety of industries and an authentic understanding of the world of work. More than 1,000 students have attended Internship Expos where they have engaged with local employers in a professional setting. Many of these students have been able to go through the interview process first hand with local employers from a variety of central Florida’s leading industries.

This guide was created to serve as a resource in planning for and supporting a high school intern. You may find this helpful in conceptualizing what the role of the intern could be in your business. This guide does not need to be read in its entirety but may be helpful in answering any questions you have as you consider and subsequently hire an intern.

Thank you for your dedication to the students of Seminole County and for contributing to the development of a regional talent pipeline.

Thank you,


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TABLE OF CONTENTS EMPLOYER INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................4

SCPS COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYERS ..................................................................................................5

EMPLOYER NEED TO KNOW CHECKLIST...............................................................................................6

PART ONE: PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERN .........................................................................................7

How to Select an Intern ...................................................................................................................8

Hiring an Intern...............................................................................................................................8

Formalizing the Job Offer.................................................................................................................9

PART TWO: GETTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT ................................................................................. 11

Day One ....................................................................................................................................... 12

The Orientation Check list.............................................................................................................. 13

PART THREE: SUPPORTING YOUR INTERN ......................................................................................... 14

Sustaining a Positive and Productive Experience ............................................................................. 15

Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 16

Reporting Hours Worked ............................................................................................................... 17

Addressing Issues: Parent Interactions, Terminating an Intern, etc. .................................................. 18

PART FOUR: CONCLUDING THE INTERNSHIP ..................................................................................... 19

You made it! ................................................................................................................................. 20

Continuing the Partnership ............................................................................................................ 20

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ...................................................................................................... 21

APPENDIX A SCPS CONTACTS............................................................................................................ 23

APPENDIX B STUDENT DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................. 24

Internship Authorization Form ....................................................................................................... 25

SCPS Student Internship Plan ......................................................................................................... 26

SCPS Final Student Internship Evaluation ........................................................................................ 29

Request for Pass/Fail Status ........................................................................................................... 31

SCPS Executive Student Internship Completion Rubric..................................................................... 32


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EMPLOYER INTRODUCTION Seminole County Public Schools is partnering with local employers and community groups to offer workplace learning opportunities to high school juniors and seniors. The goals for this partnership include:

1. Cultivating communication skills for students in realistic contexts 2. Deepening content area knowledge through real world application 3. Providing students with opportunities to develop an appreciation for the world of

work.

The internship program aims to provide students with authentic workplace experiences that provide insight into entrepreneurship or public service. Students develop skills that will strengthen the future workforce and prepare them to pursue career pathways related to their interests and talents.

Benefits of Workplace Learning

• Through business partnerships, SCPS is able to respond to the changing demands of local industry and provide relevant learning opportunities to students.

• The National Association of Colleges and Employers surveyed employers in 2010 and found that hiring interns decreases new employee turnover and increases overall retention rates.

• Internships provide a low-cost method for cultivating talent and identifying potential long-term employees.

• Interns do not require a long-term employer commitment. • In a well-structured internship, interns can provide consistent, quality work to meet short-

term employer needs typically met by temporary workers. • As the largest employer in Seminole County, partnering with the school district can help

employers become more recognizable to SCPS students, and their families, and staff. • In 2013, researchers Shoenfelt, Stone and Kottke identified internships as an established

mechanism to increase employability through the development of skills important to employers and the future workforce success of participating students.

• Students participate in meaningful employment that allows them to explore career interests, apply their talents and gain valuable employment skills and experience.


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SCPS COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYERS Seminole County Public Schools understands the commitment of time and human resources to the acquisition of a student intern. Based on feedback from past employer partners, the following expectations have been developed for all interns participating in Executive Internship, the course in which all interns are enrolled.

1. Students participating in Executive Internship are representatives of Seminole County Public Schools and as such are expected to not only adhere to the Seminole County Code of Conduct but also to reflect the high standards of the district.

2. It is an expectation of this course that students will check their email regularly and respond to SCPS and employers in an appropriate and timely fashion.

3. Employers have committed to offering students a full (133 hours) or half credit (66.5 hours) internship experience. Students are required to complete their internship. Failure to complete the required hours will result in a failing grade.

4. In order to maximize the benefits for the student and employer, an internship plan will be created prior to the first day of work and will outline the goals and expectations for the internship for both the intern and the employer.

5. Employers reserve the right to terminate an intern for failure to meet the expectations outlined in the internship plan or for violations of company or school district policies. The school district and employer are not responsible for finding alternative placement opportunities in the event an intern is terminated.

6. Reliable transportation is the responsibility of the student. No transportation will be provided by Seminole County Public Schools or participating employers.

7. Internships can be paid or unpaid at the discretion of the employer.

8. SCPS facilitators work with students and employers throughout the internship to ensure the internship is beneficial for the student and employer.


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EMPLOYER NEED TO KNOW CHECKLIST Hiring an Intern � Provide a description of the experience to SCPS for publication and promotion. � Attend the Internship Expo to meet students and collect resumes from interested applicants. � Reach out to students and schedule interviews within two weeks of the Expo. � Make an offer to your first choice but make sure to keep back-ups in case your ideal candidate

declines your offer. � After the student has accepted, invite them to your business within 30 days of the Expo to

complete the hiring process and SCPS digital internship paperwork. � Inform intern of start date and expectations for first day of work. Planning for your intern � Ensure your intern will have a place to work on their first day (i.e. a desk, table, etc.). � Make sure you have the equipment/supplies needed so that the intern may begin working on day

one (i.e. computer, building access, network access, uniform, etc.). � Identify a team member who will serve as the intern’s point of contact for tasks, outcomes and

expectations. � Outline some major goals and tasks the intern will be working on during their internship and

create a timeline for these tasks. Day One � Provide your intern with a brief orientation and overview of your business. � Give your intern a tour of the facility. Don’t forget to point out the restrooms, break rooms, etc. � Clearly outline expectations of the intern, including acceptable dress, communication protocol

and procedures for calling out sick or requesting time off. � Introduce the intern to their supervisor and point of contact. Explain this person’s role to the

intern and how to contact them if needed. � Explain the major goals and tasks the intern will be working on during their internship. Provide a

timeline for completing these tasks. Supporting a Successful Experience � Schedule a regular check-in with the intern to provide direction, support and feedback regarding

their progress. � Within the first 30 days, participate in the site visit with the intern and SCPS staff. � In the last 30 days, participate in the check-in phone call with SCPS staff. � Communicate any concerns regarding the intern early and clearly. Contact SCPS staff

immediately if any issues arise. Concluding the Internship � Schedule a time to debrief with the intern’s supervisor or point of contact and review the intern’s

performance. � Schedule a time to conduct a final evaluation with the intern. Remind the intern to submit their

evaluation to SCPS for credit.


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PART ONE: PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERN

Need to Know for this Section

Hiring an Intern � Provide a description of the experience to SCPS for publication and promotion. � Attend the Internship Expo to meet students and collect resumes from interested applicants. � Reach out to students and schedule interviews within two weeks of the Expo. � Make an offer to your first choice but make sure to keep back-ups in case your ideal candidate declines

your offer. � After the student has accepted, invite them to your business within 30 days of the Expo to complete the

hiring process and SCPS digital internship paperwork. � Inform Intern of start date and expectations for day one. Planning for your intern � Insure your intern will have a place to work on their first day (i.e. a desk, table, etc.). � Make sure you have the equipment/supplies needed so that the intern may begin working on day one

(i.e. computer, building access, network access, uniform, etc.). � Identify a team member who will serve as the intern’s point of contact for tasks, outcomes and

expectations. � Outline some major goals and tasks the intern will be working on during their internship and create a

timeline for these tasks.


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How to Select an Intern

Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) believes that employers are the most qualified to determine which student will meet their needs and support their company’s vision. SCPS does not place students into internship positions; rather employers identify potential candidates and interview them to make a hiring decision. SCPS hosts an Internship Expo in spring and fall of each year to facilitate this process. This evening event is usually held at a local hotel or event center and provides an opportunity for employers to showcase their business and meet interested internship candidates. Employers provide a description of their opportunity prior to the event and SCPS publicizes each position to students before the Expo. On average, 500-600 students attend the Expo dressed professionally and ready to talk to employers offering jobs that align with their particular skills and talents. SCPS encourages students to maximize their time by planning for and meeting with employers offering positions that might be a good fit for them. Employers typically meet with and collect resumes from approximately 200 students! Attending the Expo is the best way to identify students who might be a good fit for your internship opportunity. Employers who attend the Expo report overall higher satisfaction with the hiring process and internship experience. If an emergency arises and you are unable to attend the Expo, SCPS can collect resumes and send them to you by mail. This method can work but employers often find decreased student interest without the personal connection created at the event.

Hiring an Intern

After attending the Internship Expo, it is very important that employers reach out to their preferred candidates quickly. All employers are asked to complete the hiring process within 30 days of the Internship Expo. This process includes formalizing the job offer in-person with the student. This timeline exists to ensure the employer gets their preferred candidate and allows SCPS to communicate with the student’s parents and school to make sure the student will be able to complete the internship.

Suggested Timeline

Expo: Collect Resumes at the Internship Expo. At the Expo, you will receive many resumes. It is important to identify a prioritization strategy before the Expo. Employers in the past have used the following strategies to identify candidates they think might be best for the job:

• Note taking on resumes identifying those who merit a call back and those who do not (this strategy can be time consuming when many students show an interest in your position).

• Utilize a piling strategy on the table provided with piles for candidates who merit a call back and those who do not.


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• Provide preferred candidates with a business card or website to access where they can apply directly.

• Ask preferred candidates to sign-up for pre-identified interview times so you leave the Expo with interviews scheduled.

You are welcome to use whatever strategy works best for your business. Given the amount of students who will attend, you may find it helpful to bring another employee to help you meet with students and collect resumes. Additionally, you may want to bring a printed description of your position and any follow-up directions you have for candidates. This will help prevent you from repeating the same information with each student.

1 Week after the Expo: Call students to schedule interviews. It may take some time to coordinate interview schedules. For this reason, we encourage you to call students quickly after the Expo so that you may begin the interview process.

2 Weeks after the Expo: Interview candidates. You are welcome to interview as many students as your schedule allows. SCPS provides interview preparation to students including information on appropriate dress and etiquette. Despite our efforts, students do occasionally fail to report to interviews. We understand that this can be disappointing and we apologize in advance for the inconvenience. Please make us aware when this happens and we will follow up with the student.

3 Weeks after the Expo: Offer the position. Call your future intern and offer them the job! Do not forget to review the details with them (will the position be paid, where will they be working, etc.). During this call, you will schedule a time for your intern to come in and meet with you face-to-face. Hosting this meeting in person will allow the intern to demonstrate they can make it to your facility and it will allow both you and the intern an opportunity to complete the necessary paperwork to formalize internship.

4 Weeks after the Expo: Formalize the offer by meeting with your intern(s) in person. Interns should report to your business to complete your hiring process along with district paperwork. This final step is how you will inform SCPS of your intern selection and how the intern will enroll in the course.

Formalizing the Job Offer

SCPS requires that employers meet with interns within 30 days of the Internship Expo. During this meeting, the employer and intern will complete the internship paperwork together electronically. The electronic form requests information essential to enrolling the student in their internship program and serves as notification to SCPS of the employer’s hiring decision. During this first meeting, both the employer and intern will generate an Internship Plan. This plan serves as the guide for the internship and outlines the goals and expectations of the intern. Once the intern has completed the face-to-face meeting, the job offer is considered finalized and the


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intern is enrolled in the course. This meeting will serve as the first hour reported on the intern’s time card and can be counted towards their overall hours requirement. This time may or may not be compensated at the discretion of the employer.


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PART TWO: GETTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT


Day One � Provide your intern with a brief orientation and overview of your business. � Give your intern a tour of the facility. Do not forget to point out the restrooms, break rooms, etc. � Clearly outline expectations of the intern including acceptable dress, communication protocol and

procedures for calling out or requesting time off. � Introduce the intern to their supervisor and point of contact. Explain this person’s role to the intern and

how to contact them if needed. � Explain the major goals and tasks the intern will be working on during their internship. Provide a

timeline for completing these tasks.


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Day One

The initial days of the internship set the tone for the overall experience the student will have. It is important to make the first days count! If you give interns very little to do, it sends the message that the job will be easy and they will not be asked to contribute very much. Neither the employer nor the intern want that! In order to start on the right foot it is important to plan for success.

Prior to the start date of the intern, the employer should consider the following:

• Who will supervise the intern throughout the process? • Where will the intern be located within the office? Will the intern have their own desk or

will they share a space with another employee? • What are the essential job training elements the intern will need prior to beginning

industry related work? Who will provide this training? • Are there any state or federally mandated safety regulations related to your industry that

interns need to be informed of? Are there any safety considerations that need to be made with regard to the intern? Who will provide the necessary safety instruction to the intern?

Many students are unfamiliar with the activities, environment, and objectives of business, public service and industry. Interns may have volunteered or worked part-time before but these experiences may not have exposed them to dynamics like organizational politics, the need for confidentiality, the importance of teamwork, or the profit-making orientation of business. Including an orientation session at the beginning of the intern training process emphasizes the partnership and commitment to internships in your workplace.

The sooner your student interns understand what your organization does and how it operates, the sooner they can assume assigned responsibilities and become productive. You can communicate this information in several ways:

• Take your interns on a tour of the facility and introduce them to the other employees. • Give your interns company materials to read such as newsletters, annual reports, an

organization chart, or memos from the CEO. • Encourage your interns to spend break and lunchtimes in places where employees gather. • Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with them. • Give the intern opportunities to observe (or participate in) professional meetings. • Allow the intern to interview company personnel. • Encourage the intern to walk around and observe others at work.


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The Orientation Check list

An orientation can be a great way to answer some of your intern’s questions and orient them to your organization. Employers who take adequate time at the beginning of the internship to orient student interns help them feel more comfortable and confident. This allows employers to reap the benefits of increased productivity and effectiveness more quickly than those who do not. In acclimating interns, please take time initially to:

Explain the Mission of the Organization

• How did the organization start? Why? • What is unique about your product or service? • Who benefits from your product or service? • What are the organization's current objectives? • How may the intern contribute to those objectives?

Explain the Organizational Structure

• Who reports to whom? • Who, specifically, is the intern's supervisor? • What is the intern's department responsible for? • How are decisions made? • Which personnel can answer different kinds of questions?

Outline Organizational Rules, Policies, Decorum and Expectations

• Is there specific industry jargon? • What are the specific work standards and procedures? • What access to the supervisor (days, times, and duration) does the intern have? • How do the mail and telephone systems work? • What are the approved forms for correspondence? • By what safety regulations must they abide? • Are there security or confidentiality issues the intern should be aware of? • What is acceptable with regard to dress and appearance? • How should they maintain the premises and their work area?

Define the Intern's Responsibilities

• What is the intern's role? Provide a clear job description. • What projects will be assigned to him or her and who will supervise these projects? • Who should the intern contact with questions or concerns? How should the intern schedule time

with their supervisor? • What resources are available to the intern? • What training is necessary? • How does the organization want the intern to deal with clients and vendors? • What tasks can be completed without supervisory approval? • Do other employees understand the intern's role?


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PART THREE: SUPPORTING YOUR INTERN


Supporting a Successful Experience � Schedule a regular check-in with the intern to provide direction, support and feedback regarding their

progress. � Within the first 30 days, participate in the site visit with the intern and SCPS staff. � In the last 30 days, participate in the check-in phone call with SCPS staff. � Communicate any concerns regarding the intern early and clearly. Contact SCPS staff immediately if

any issues arise.


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Sustaining a Positive and Productive Experience

It is suggested that the intern’s supervisor meet regularly with the intern to provide feedback concerning their performance. These brief meetings will provide an opportunity to coach, counsel and reinforce positive attitudes and performance. During these meetings, the students can:

• Report on the status of a project • Ask questions • Learn how their work is contributing to the organization • Participate in an evaluation of their strengths • Discuss areas needing growth and development • Get a sense of what kind of work lies ahead

There are many ways to make the internship both memorable and engaging for the intern and the employer:

Social Activities: Whether it is employees and interns going out to lunch, or employees taking interns to a local baseball game, engaging in these activities provides a great opportunity to get to know one another on a more personal level. They also provide interns a chance to get to know other interns and employees with whom they have not worked.

Professional Development Activities: Allow interns to develop their professional skills by allowing them to sit in on meetings and work with employees in other departments for a day. Provide opportunities for interns to attend career development events/seminars in the community to learn new skills.

SCPS only requires one site visit within the first 30 days of employment. During this in-person visit the facilitator will ensure that the student is meeting the expectations of the employer and that all necessary paperwork has been completed. The facilitator will discuss the Internship Plan with the employer and intern to make sure the goals and expectations of the experience are clearly identified. The facilitator will also review the internship requirements with the student. The facilitator can make additional in-person visits at any time at the request of the employer to help mitigate any issues or concerns. You should contact the SCPS Internship Facilitator directly in the event that the internship conditions must be altered, such as a change in supervisor, delays in the availability of data needed by the students to complete an assignment, transfer or termination of an employee involved in the interns' work, or other unanticipated changes.


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Requirements

In order to maximize the positive benefits for both the employer and student, and in order to meet requirements for high school credit courses, SCPS has outlined a few basic requirements for the internship experience.

• The student will maintain an accurate, current time card to be verified by the employer and to serve as a record of attendance.

• The student and employer will develop an internship plan to outline their goals for the experience and to document their expectations for the intern.

• The intern will have one in-person site visit with their SCPS Facilitator and their supervisor within the first 30 days of employment to review the goals and expectations of the internship.

• The employer will conduct a final evaluation of the intern utilizing their company’s evaluation (if they are comfortable sharing the instrument with SCPS) or a generic evaluation developed specifically for Executive Internship course.

Internship Plan

Students will work with their employer to develop an internship plan that outlines the learning outcomes and goals for the intern during their internship. The plan also outlines the final evaluation tool to be used by the employer. Students are expected to make progress towards the goals outlined in this plan. The SCPS facilitator will support the student in achieving these goals throughout course. The employer will aid the student in making satisfactory progress by providing work opportunities that help the student make satisfactory progress towards the goals. If at any time the student or employer feel that adequate progress is not being made, the SCPS facilitator should be contacted to mediate any issues. The employer reserves the right to end employment for failure to adhere to the internship plan.

Site Visit

Each intern has been assigned an SCPS facilitator. The SCPS facilitator will conduct a site visit and help answer questions that interns or employers have as they arise throughout the internship. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with their SCPS facilitator and employer to establish mutually agreeable dates and times for a site visit within the first 30 days of employment. The facilitator will check in with students to evaluate their performance and ensure that the internship plan expectations and goals are being met.

Final Evaluation

During the final week of employment, the student will schedule a meeting with their employer to participate in a final evaluation. The employer will use the evaluation tool identified in the internship plan (either the corporate tool or the generic tool developed for this course). The


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intern will be evaluated on the goals outlined in the internship plan along with other essential elements identified by the employer.

Professionalism Rubric

Throughout the internship, the SCPS facilitator will be in contact with the intern and employer. After reviewing the intern’s final evaluation, the SCPS facilitator will complete a professionalism rubric based on their interaction with the student. The rubric is included in Appendix B but includes components regarding punctuality, professional and courteous communication, and the completion of SCPS internship requirements.

Reporting Hours Worked

The student will complete a time card document for SCPS, listing the hours, days, and weekly/monthly totals for the job. Federal and state labor laws must be followed. The time card is the official audit record for the school and is an important document needed for attendance. Students will utilize a Google Doc to keep a digital record of their attendance. Employers will verify the student’s hours using a link provided by SCPS. Students are encouraged to report their hours weekly, but all hours must be documented at least biweekly. Employers then have the following week to verify the student’s hours and will sign a printed time card at the end of the internship verifying all hours worked. It is the student’s responsibility to upload this document into to their SCPS Executive Internship course in eCampus.

What should the student do if they will be sick or need time off?

Students should follow the practices identified by the employer for requesting time off and calling out sick from work. The SCPS facilitator should be notified if the student will be missing more than three days of work. Employers are not expected to adhere to the SCPS school calendar. SCPS understands that students may need to work on days that are SCPS holidays or weekends. All scheduling decisions are made by the employer. SCPS has communicated to students that a failure to show for work without calling ahead of time is grounds for termination in many organizations.

Why is the time card so important?

The student attendance for the internship experience is counted as enrollment for Florida school enrollment payments. Attendance is a very important record requirement for every school. Audits may occur annually for these records, and all student time cards must be kept by the school district for five years. Because this course is being taken for high school credit, the teacher must maintain accurate and meticulous attendance records. It should be noted that falsification by the student of the time card is a violation of the SCPS Honor Code and subject to the consequences SCPS Code of Conduct.


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Addressing Issues: Parent Interactions, Terminating an Intern, etc.

As with any employee, issues may arise when working with an intern. The SCPS facilitator is assigned to assist with any challenges that are identified during the internship. While the goal of the internship is to help students develop the skills needed to be successful in the workplace, SCPS is also committed to ensuring that the employer’s time and efforts are respected. For this reason we encourage you to reach out to an SPCS Facilitator with any and all concerns early in the internship experience. We encourage you to mentor and support the interns but we respect your right to terminate an internship for failure to meet your standards. SCPS will communicate with parents with regard to the internship. Employers can direct any communication about the student’s internship to the SCPS facilitator.


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PART FOUR: CONCLUDING THE INTERNSHIP


Concluding the Internship � Schedule a time to debrief with the intern’s supervisor or point of contact and review the intern’s

performance. � Schedule a time to conduct a final evaluation with the intern. Remind the intern to submit their

evaluation to SCPS for credit.


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You made it!

At the beginning of each semester, employers will be notified of the start and end dates of the internship. Students may not work beyond these dates as SCPS interns. As the time with your intern comes to a close, it is important to begin the process of concluding the internship.

When concluding the internship, review the intern’s overall performance. SCPS asks that employers schedule time with each intern to review their performance and determine whether they met the goals outlined in their internship plan. The student will provide a copy of this evaluation to their SCPS facilitator for a completion grade. The final evaluation provides the employer and intern with an opportunity to discuss future employment options with the student (if applicable) and hold an exit interview to discuss the experience.

During the final evaluation, you may use the evaluation used by your business or industry or the one provided by SCPS in this reference guide. The following questions can also be used during the final evaluation to facilitate conversation:

• What went well? • What could be improved? • Did the intern feel the workload was manageable? • Were all the learning objectives met? • What was the intern’s overall impression of the employer and industry? • What would the intern tell their friends about the company and the experience?

Final evaluations are also a great time for interns to demonstrate their accomplishments and for other employees to see the value of internships. Some employers choose to conduct final evaluations in conjunction with a final project or presentation.

Continuing the Partnership

SCPS is dedicated to continuous improvement. At the conclusion of the internship we will provide you with a brief survey. Please tell us about your experience and how we can make the internship program more beneficial for you and students. At this time you will have the opportunity to tell us whether you are interested in hosting a high school intern again in the future. You are also welcome to reach out to us to schedule a more in depth conversation about internships and workplace learning.


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS A student’s transportation fell through, is that an acceptable reason for them to fail to report for their internship?

Unfortunately, reliable transportation is the responsibility of the student and it would not be an acceptable reason to miss work. Students should call their employer in the event that they must miss work. Students should follow-up this phone call with an email to their supervisor and SCPS Facilitator to inform them of their absence. If transportation becomes a frequent issue it could be grounds for termination.

Can an intern receive community service hours for their internship experience?

No, interns are receiving high school credit for their experience and for this reason cannot be awarded community service hours.

Can interns begin working prior to the start date provided by the district?

No, students must begin on or after the start date provided by the district. This will ensure that all student schedules have been finalized, students have been enrolled in the online course and have received the required introductory information prior to beginning work.

Can students work after the completion date provided by the district?

Student hours must be completed prior to the deadline provided by the district to ensure that grades are calculated and submitted in time to meet graduation deadlines and other grading requirements. If an employer wishes to extend the internship beyond the internship period it, will be done at the employer’s will and outside of the SCPS workplace learning initiative.

The intern is not meeting the expectations outlined in the internship plan, what should I do?

In the event that you are unsatisfied with the performance of your intern, please contact their assigned district level administrator who will make every effort to mediate the issue. The employer reserves the right to terminate the intern at their discretion at any time.

A parent called and is unhappy about a student work schedule. Do I have to deal with parents directly?

Interns should be treated as your other employees would. For this reason, please refer parent questions or concerns to the SCPS Facilitator.

What do I do when the internship is over?

Sign-up for another intern and tell your friends! SCPS needs employers to host students throughout the year so opportunities are always available to secure your next intern.

What if I want to keep my intern?

We understand that accepting interns is a big investment of your time. In the event you wish to retain your intern we have outlined a few ways this may be possible:

1. Option 1: Utilize your trained intern to recruit and train your next intern. Allowing your previous intern to take on a leadership role will help them develop their skills and talents and it


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will create a talent pipeline for your business while providing increased opportunities for students. In this case your intern would be completing a new role and would qualify for Executive Internship 2 for high school credit.

2. Option 2: Hire your intern as a paid employee outside of the SCPS workplace learning program.


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APPENDIX A SCPS CONTACTS Executive Director, Education Pathways & Strategic Partnerships

Jason C. Wysong, Ed.D. [email protected]

Coordinator, K-12 Career Education & Readiness Initiatives

Jill Fierle [email protected]

ePathways Facilitator Carol Gamble [email protected]

ePathways Facilitator Gene Tavares [email protected]

ePathways Facilitator Paula Hagan [email protected]

ePathways Facilitator John Pagnotti, Ph.D. [email protected]

ePathways Facilitator Griselle Figueroa-Martorell [email protected]

ePathways Facilitator Faith Whittingham [email protected]

www.scps.us/workplace-learning

/ePathways @ePathwaySCPS

mailto:[email protected]









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APPENDIX B STUDENT DOCUMENTS


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Internship Authorization Form

This form can be found in the eCampus online course for SCPS ePathways Internships. This form is to be completed by the student intern and his/her parent or guardian.


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SCPS Student Internship Plan The Seminole County Public School internship program is designed to engage local employers in the growth and development of tomorrow’s workforce. Students participating in the program will have the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to real world situations. The internship plan is developed between the student and employer to help outline opportunities for the student to enhance their skills and talents to prepare them for post-secondary opportunities. Interns should complete this form with their employer within the first 30 days of employment and prior to the first site visit. The SCPS facilitator, employer and intern will discuss the internship plan during the site visit.

Student 1. Based on your past work experience and student involvement, identify the skills and

attributes you will contribute to this experience. Provide concrete examples of what you will contribute (good communication, technical experience, industry certifications, etc.). ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain while working with the employer (computer skills, customer service skills, etc.)? Provide at least three examples. Are there any areas of weakness that you would like to improve on while working in their internship (i.e. increasing people skills, becoming more confident on talking on the phone, etc.) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Describe any special needs or circumstances that should be discussed to support you during this experience. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer 4. What skills do you hope to aid the intern in developing during their internship? Please

identify at least three and explain what method or procedure you will use to help the intern develop these skills (i.e. mentoring, training program, etc.) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What projects or assignments will the intern be working on and what does the work timeline look like for these projects? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. How do you hope the internship will help prepare the intern for the future workplace? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. What evaluation method will you use to evaluate the intern at the end of the experience? (Circle One) SCPS will retain a copy of the evaluation.

Company Evaluation Method SCPS Intern Final Evaluation Form


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Please complete a tentative schedule for the intern.

Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Time

On average, how many hours will the intern work per week? ______________

Are there any other considerations or comments that should be added to the plan? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature and Date: ________________________________________

Employer Signature and Date: ________________________________________

Parent Signature and Date: ________________________________________


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SCPS Final Student Internship Evaluation Name of Intern: ______________________________________________________

Name of Supervisor: ______________________________________Phone #:__________________

Company: ___________________________________________________

Has the intern completed 136 hours of work? YES/NO

If no, please explain

_________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________

Total number of hours worked: ______________

Has the intern provided a printed timecard for you to sign? YES/NO

*Interns will not be eligible to receive credit for their experience without a signed time card showing

136 hours of completed work.

Please rank the following statements about your intern’s performance from 1 to 4, with 1 meaning has not met the expectation, 2 meaning the intern has occasionally met the expectation, 3 meaning the intern has met the expectation and 4 meaning has exceeded the expectation. Choose N/A if the statement is not applicable. Employability

Punctuality, good attendance, appropriate use of language 4 3 2 1 N/A Application of dress code or uniform requirements 4 3 2 1 N/A Shows Initiative 4 3 2 1 N/A Follow-through on tasks, reliability 4 3 2 1 N/A

Specific Job Skills and Worksite Requirements Understanding and applying safety, security and sanitation 4 3 2 1 N/A guidelines related to the job or industry Working courteously with colleagues 4 3 2 1 N/A Courteous interactions with customers 4 3 2 1 N/A Problem solving and negotiating 4 3 2 1 N/A


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Working on a deadline 4 3 2 1 N/A Producing oral business communications 4 3 2 1 N/A (phone calls, client meetings, press conferences) Writing business communications 4 3 2 1 N/A (memos, letters, emails for internal or external use) Developing community relations, consumer relations, 4 3 2 1 N/A and/or employee relations Working on a team 4 3 2 1 N/A Managing a project 4 3 2 1 N/A

Professional Growth and Ethics Analyzing and understanding an employer’s corporate goals, 4 3 2 1 N/A policies and culture Demonstrating legal and ethical behavior within the scope 4 3 2 1 N/A of the job Please list any other skills that the intern developed or learned over the course of the internship.

In which area(s) did the intern show particular strength?

In which area(s), if any, does the intern need to improve?

______________________________________ ______________________________________ Intern’s Signature Date Employer’s Signature Date


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Request for Pass/Fail Status Executive Internship can be taken for a letter grade, with the corresponding GPA points, or it can be taken pass/fail. If you wish to take this course pass/fail you must upload this form to eCampus within two weeks of beginning the internship. You will still be required to complete the 136 hours required for this course along with all other required assignments and course documentation. All assignments in the online course have a point value that will be averaged for your final grade. A number grade lower than 60 and/or a failure to complete/document the hours required will result in a failing grade. A passing grade will be listed as a P on the transcript and will carry no GPA points.

This form must be turned in no later than two weeks after the start of the semester and must be signed by the student and parent.

Student Name: _____________________________________________________

Student ID: _______________________________________________________

Student School: ____________________________________________________

Grade: ______________ Counselor Name: ________________________

Employer: _______________________________________________________

I, ___________________________, wish to take the course, Executive Internship 1, as pass/fail. I understand that I will receive no GPA points for passing this course but a failing grade will count negatively towards my GPA. I understand that I must complete 136 work hours and maintain a passing grade in the online course to be eligible to receive a grade of pass for this course.

Student Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________ Date: _____________


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SCPS Executive Student Internship Completion Rubric Intern Name: ___________________________ Grade: _________________

3 hour online orientation eCampus course (25 pts) __________

Initial site visit within first 30 days (25 pts) __________

Internship plan (25 pts) __________

Final intern evaluation form (25 pts) __________

133 hrs. Of work (documentation: printed & signed time card) __________

Completion Date Total Score: ________/ 100

5 Points 10 Points 15 Points 20 Points

Communication

The intern rarely returned employer and facilitator phone calls and emails promptly and did not use professional communication skills.

The intern returned employer and facilitator phone calls and emails promptly and used professional communication skills some of the time.

The intern returned employer and facilitator phone calls and emails promptly and used professional communication skills most of the time.

The intern returned employer and facilitator phone calls and emails promptly and used professional communication.

Attendance

The intern rarely reported to work on-time or communicated with their employer when they were unable to work. The intern did not keep track of their hours in the Google time card.

The intern occasionally reported to work on-time or communicated with their employer when they were unable to work. The intern intermittently kept track of their hours in the Google time card.

The intern often reported to work on-time or promptly communicated with their employer when they were unable to work. The intern frequently kept track of their hours in the Google time card.

The intern reported to work on-time or promptly communicated with their employer when they were unable to work. The intern regularly kept track of their hours in the Google time card.

Professional Growth and Ethics

The intern rarely followed all employer rules and guidelines while accepting responsibility and

The intern followed all employer rules and guidelines while accepting responsibility and




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demonstrating reliability.

demonstrating reliability some of the time.

demonstrating reliability most of the time.

demonstrating reliability.

Job Skills and Employability

The intern rarely worked courteously with colleagues, followed directions from their supervisor, or worked on improving the skills necessary to complete their work.

The intern occasionally worked courteously with colleagues, followed directions from their supervisor, or worked on improving the skills necessary to complete their work.

The intern often worked courteously with colleagues, followed directions from their supervisor, or worked on improving the skills necessary to complete their work.

The intern worked courteously with colleagues, followed directions from their supervisor, and worked on improving the skills necessary to complete their work.

Adherence to Deadlines and Submission Dates

The intern completed the Online Orientation course before starting work and turned in few assignments on time.

The intern completed the Online Orientation course before starting work and turned in some assignments on time.

The intern completed the Online Orientation course before starting work and turned in most assignments on time.

The intern completed the Online Orientation course before starting work and turned in all assignments on time.

Skills Rubric Total Score: ________/100

Final Internship Grade (Completion Dates + Rubric): _____/200

Letter grade: ____

employer internship guide...provide insight into entrepreneurship or public service. students...

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