EIP General Info

HOW DOES THE INTERN BENEFIT?

The Executive Internship offers broad educational opportunities. It introduces high school students to the world of work through close association with effective leaders in the community. Interns refine their social and intellectual skills by relating to a variety of adults, writing reports, becoming precise in their analysis of issues, and initiating their own learning experiences. They gain career-specific knowledge while exploring possible career options. Interns develop or change their career goals as a result of meaningful internship experiences.

HOW ARE INTERNS SELECTED?

High school seniors selected have demonstrated: leadership and initiative in their schools and communities, special talents and skills of value to the particular sponsors, or a capacity for creating new solutions to problems. Interns are selected by demonstrating their maturity, sensitivity, and the capacity to assume responsibility. They must exhibit above-average ability in the academics. Applicants need approval by the high school counselors and administration.

SPONSOR'S ROLE & BENEFITS

Administrators and leaders of organizations are selected as sponsors because of their: Sensitivity to the concerns of youth, ability to offer an internship with opportunities for assignments as well as observation, readiness to involve the intern in activities of the agency or organization, and willingness to devote personal attention to the intern. Each sponsor defines the Executive Intern's role and training, which provides useful experience to the intern and, hopefully, provides benefits to the company. Interns often offer a fresh perspective and new ideas that are useful to the sponsoring company.

WHAT ABOUT EMPLOYMENT?

While Executive High School Interns are not paid, they are covered by Aurora Public Schools' worker's compensation insurance and the experience may lead to future employment. Some interns are invited to return to their sponsoring agencies for summer or after-school paid positions. Others are selected for paid college internships. Potential employers are usually impressed by the Executive Interns because they represent themselves at a relatively sophisticated level in a work environment.

WHAT ABOUT COLLEGE?

College placement officers view the internship experience as a positive factor in evaluating a student's potential. Some students have been able to waive some college requirements due to their participation in the Executive Internship Program. Each college is different, so students should consult their college advisor with questions.

WHEN DOES THE EIP CLASS MEET?

The morning session meets from 8-10 am. The afternoon session is from 1-3 pm. Class is held EVERY DAY for the first 3-4 weeks of the semester. After that time, class meets only on Mondays which leaves the remainder of the week (and weekends, if desired and possible) for the internship.

HOW MANY HOURS OF INTERNSHIP ARE REQUIRED?

1 Credit (2 high school classes) = 90 hours = 8 hours per week.

1.5 Credits (3 high school classes) = 135 hours = 12 hours per week.

2.0 Credits (4 high school classes) = 180 hours = 16 hours per week.

Hours can be arranged to fit the needs of the intern and sponsor, keeping in mind the hours that the company is open for business.

IS ACADEMIC CREDIT OFFERED?

The Intern receives high school credit and can take up to four additional high school classes while enrolled in the Executive Internship Program. The Executive Internship Program offers WEIGHTED GRADES.

The Intern must keep an analytical journal of daily activities, maintain a high level of performance in the program, create a slide presentation about their internship and career field, and present a professional portfolio to the coordinator at the close of the semester. A memorandum of understanding is signed by the student, parents/guardians, the sponsor, EIP coordinator, school administrators, and the student's counselor to formalize the arrangement.

Executive Internship Program Curriculum

(No college credit offered)

CIS 120 Technology for Career Development (15 hours)

CIS 203 Technology for Career Success (30 hours)

BUS 281/BUS 282 Internship (45-180 hours)

High School Elective Credits Offered (Weighted)

0.5 Credit - Career Development and Career Success (VEI 1031)

0.5 – 2.0 Credit - Internship (VEI 1061 or VEI 1062)

WHAT IS THE PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD?

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a nationally recognized program and is a great addition to interns' resume, college applications and scholarship applications.

PVSA requires recipients to be US citizens or legal residents.

Awards are earned by volunteering for the following hours:

100-174 hours = Bronze

175-249 hours = Silver

250+ hours = Gold