FIELD EXPERIENCES AND INTERNSHIPS

Field Experiences

In addition to the coursework at Carl Wunsche Sr. High School, we provide enriching co-curricular experiences through our business partners and community members that help our students to fully understand their desired career pathway and the possible opportunities, expectations, and requirements within the industry. Students will have an opportunity to choose from various types of field experiences throughout the school year. Our 9th through 11th grade students are required to have 10 hours of field experience which can be through a guest speaker, field trip or on campus workshop or seminar. Each academy has a leader who will help to coordinate these activities during the school year.

Internships

Internships are required for students who have matriculated through their CTE program and are now in the senior level course or in the practicum course associated with their career pathway. Students will have an opportunity to utilize the skills learned through their CTE courses and apply in a "real world" job environment. Practicum students are required to complete a 30-hour internship of on the job training. Seniors who have changed pathways and do not advance to the senior level will be required to complete 30-hours with a combination of experiences. Depending on the circumstances of each individual student, the Academy Leader will meet and discuss the available options.

• Certification Partner Internships (CertPI)- Students participating in an internship program leading to a certification will participate until the required number of experience hours have been reached and the student is eligible to sit for the certification exam. The number of hours is determined by the certification requirements. This internship may take place during a mentorship class, after school or by special arrangement during school hours.

• Business Partner Internship (BPI)– A Business partner Internship utilizes the knowledge and skills obtained through CTE coursework and is applied while participating in a business or industry setting (minimum 30 hours required). This internship may take place during a mentorship class, after school or by special arrangement during school hours.

• Community/Service Partner Internship (CPI) – Community Partner Internships provide students with exposure to their career pathway while working on relevant, real-world, business or industry issues and it is usually accomplished on-campus through campus events, (Blood Drive), volunteer experiences, data gathering opportunities, and/or meetings with industry professionals on campus. (minimum 30 hours required). Mainframe Mercantile, Log-On Café, and public service organizations are considered Community Partner Internships.

• Field Experience Internship–FEI - provides an opportunity for students to interact with business professionals through exposure to the industry. (Designed for seniors in their first year of a specific CTE career pathway- minimum 10 hours needed). All seniors are encouraged to complete this type of internship. A 30-hour FEI counts as a full experience for an Advanced Senior

  • Field Experience Internship. Opportunities may include:

  • Guest speakers

  • Field trips & Special Projects

  • After school / weekend lab activities

  • Volunteer opportunities

  • Field Experiences are reported to the internship coordinator on the Field Experience Verification form -

Twice a year: no later than December 11 and May 6.

• Project-Based Internship– (ASSIGNED BY CTE) students enrolled in a Senior Advanced CTE Class who do not meet eligibility requirements for CertPI, BPI, & C/Service PI due to academic or behavioral concerns will complete the Project-Based Internship (minimum 30 hours required). Project grades will be based on the grades received for each element of the project as outlined in the Project-Based Internship handout. They will count as 50% of the overall CTE Grade for the “Progress Report” and “Report Card” during the six-week period in which the internship is completed.

The project may consist of:

1. Research Paper (3-5 pages)

2. Interview Questionnaire (Research based, minimum of 25 questions)

3. Model, Brochure or 3-D display

4. Presentation of Findings (12-15 minute minimum)

Professional Academy Leader - Katerina Wingfield, kwingfie@springisd.org

Technology Academy Leader - TBD

Medical Academy Leader - Tekedra Pierre, tpierre@springisd.org

If you are business owner or community member and would like to help provide an enriching experience to our students or know of an opportunity that we should consider, please contact our Career and Business Partnership Specialist, Carling Loulis.

There are various forms provided to students according to the type of experience provided. All seniors will need to complete the appropriate senior internship application and schedule a face to face meeting with their Academy Leader if needed between August and October. Internships start in October and can be scheduled throughout the school year and must be completed prior to May. Once the appropriate internship has been determined, the Academy Leader will provide the appropriate packet for the student to complete.

Please connect with our district web page for more information regarding our CTE curriculum, Advisory Board, scholarships and more.

http://www.springisd.org/default.aspx?name=cte.home