Turning Interests Into Internships

Anderson sophomores are given career exploration opportunities at the Oaks

More often than not, high school students have no idea what they want their career to be, especially during their sophomore year. However, for those who have a strong interest in one area, Anderson offers a transition to the Great Oaks campuses to deepen their knowledge. 

The Great Oaks is a set of career campuses for high school students, allowing students with a passion for a specific career to dive deeper into that area. Over 30 different career paths are offered for students, while also allowing them to take basic high school courses.

“Half your day is academics, then the other half of the day you’re in a lab. You’re doing hands-on things versus just jumping class to class,” Mrs. Black, a Great Oaks connector and school counselor at Anderson, said. 

There are four different campuses: Diamond Oaks, Laurel Oaks, Live Oaks, and Scarlet Oaks. Each campus offers around the same programs, and typically Anderson students will attend Live Oaks; however, for those seeking law enforcement, they will have to attend Scarlet or Laurel Oaks. Similarly, those specializing in manufacturing or maintenance are only located at Laurel Oaks. 

Every year, Black takes a group of students on a tour of campus, allowing them to figure out if that is the path they want to take.

“[Students] just get to get some practical experience and see the different classrooms and labs,” Black said. 

It is essentially retaining college-level information and internship-level skills, but all available to students before even graduating high school. 

“Students can earn C-Tags, so essentially you’re saying you’ve completed and fulfilled this course and you no longer have to do that [in college],” said Black. 

If interested to join a tour, fill out the Great Oaks permission slip and then more information will be provided after.