To: Prospective Site Supervisors
From: Heidi Hider and Susan Lynch, School Counselors and Capstone Advisors
Re: Opportunities in the Westford Academy Senior Capstone Experience
As the representative of a business in our community, we invite you to consider participating as a site supervisor in Westford Academy’s Senior Capstone. This program has grown from 10 participants in the 2002-2003 pilot year to full, mandatory participation in 2019 and beyond.
Student interns receive high school credit for their work, and you receive assistants to work with you while they learn. These students hope to add an element of real work experience to their high school education.
Our students are seeking opportunities in a wide variety of settings including accounting, public relations, animal care, computer-related occupations, community action, politics, childcare, health care, health care, journalism, law, and the arts.
Recent sponsors have included: Raytheon, Camp Rotary, Grace Chapel, Apollo Distribution, Shaker Hills Golf Course, Integra Computers, Children’s Hospital, Roudenbush Community Center, Lowell General Hospital, several local schools and law enforcement agencies, State House, East Boston Camps, Exit Realty, Lowell Sun, Edible Arrangements, Continental Resources, Cabot Corporation, Home Health/Hospice, Netscout systems.
Program Overview:
•All seniors who have successfully met their academic requirements are eligible to apply.
•Approved seniors are released from classes during the 4th quarter (mid April to late May 2026)* to pursue placements in the community.
•Students have a faculty advisor at Westford Academy with whom they meet weekly.
•Students must secure a site supervisor on site who is willing to serve as their supervisor and mentor for a minimum of 30 hours per week during the experience (may vary due to Advanced Placement classes).
•Students develop goals and objectives for learning that are reviewed and approved by the site supervisor prior to submitting their application to the program for approval by the Coordinators.
•In addition to working a minimum of 30 hours per week on site, students must complete weekly journals and formally present on their experience. The student’s faculty advisor at Westford Academy assesses these assignments.
•The Coordinators are available to respond to all questions and concerns throughout the program.
Site Supervisor responsibilities:
•Work with the student to develop learning goals and objectives for his/her experience.
•Agree to supervise the student for a minimum of 30 hours per week, verified by a weekly time log.
•Contact the Capstone Coordinators with any questions or concerns.
Sites are welcome to request resumes from our students and conduct interviews to determine if the student is a good fit for your organization's needs.
If you are interested in learning more about the Westford Academy Senior Experience, please contact Heidi B. Hider or Susan Lynch, Capstone Coordinators, via email at hhider@westfordk12.us or slynch@westfordk12.us or phone at 978-692-5570 x2. If you would like to host an intern, please complete the site development form and students will be able to view information on your site.
Thank you in advance for your support of this important program.
*2025-2026 dates will be determined in the fall and are subject to change due to snow days, etc*