Frequently Asked Questions

The Executive High School Internship (EHSI) Program is a competitive program offered to high academic high school seniors (unweighted GPA of 3.5 or greater). Students apply the second semester of their junior year to be accepted into the program for their senior year. This program gives the participant an opportunity to see what is necessary to be successful in the career field of their choosing. Students complete the program in one semester (summer is an option). They complete weekly online workforce readiness lessons to be better prepared for their career. They also complete a 100-hour non-paid internship in the field of their choosing. They are eligible for 6 free concurrent enrollment college credits once they complete the Workplace Readiness Course and 100 hour internship. 


How do I see what internships are available?

The process for EHSI works a little differently than many internship programs. The EHSI instructors meet with the students and if they meet the program qualifications, they pair the student with an internship mentor.  The student's placement is dependent on their career interests and goals. This could be with one of the over 130 businesses we've used in the past or it could be an entirely new business/mentor.  If the student has a possible mentor in mind, we will reach out to the mentor and review the program with them to see if they would be a good fit.  


What is the benefit of the program?

The Executive High School Internship Program allows the participants an opportunity to experience a particular career field through real-world and hands-on experiences. Students also build a network with professionals in their career field which will open up doors for additional internships and career opportunities. The workplace readiness lessons teach the students how to be successful in the business world, how to have a professional resume and LinkedIn profile, as well as interviewing skills.

Students earn ½ elective credit for the Workplace Readiness course, ½ elective credit for the 100 hour internship on their high school transcript. Students are also eligible for 6 concurrent enrollment college credits with Red Rocks Community College in Business and Marketing. 


How many students are eligible for the program?

Approximately 1700 students meet the GPA qualifications within Jeffco Public Schools each year. The program can support 200 students each year.  


How do students learn about the program?

Students with an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or greater receive an email inviting them to a 45-minute presentation about the program.  They receive this email in the fall semester of their Junior year.  Parents are welcome to attend the presentation.  Student may also have heard from other students or counselors about the program. 


How do students apply?

The application process is explained at the promotion presentation. The application consists of an online form to be completed by each applicant, a form that is signed by the parent/guardian indicating an understanding of the commitment to the program, and counselor recommendation that lets us know the student and counselor are aware of the time commitment and professionalism required. Many scholarships and colleges request videos from their applicants, so we teach the students how to create a video introducing themselves as part of the application process. 

If a student successfully completes the entire application by the deadline, the student is invited to an interview with an EHSI instructor. Interviews are completed in February and March, and all applicants will receive an email in May notifying them if they have been accepted into the program. 


What are additional requirements of the program?

The students determine the semester that will work best for them to complete the program. They have the option to intern the summer between the junior and senior year. The intern is required to be at the internship site for no less than 3-hour blocks of time. 

Summer Interns: Students are required to commit to 8 weeks of the summer to complete the 100 hours and to complete all the workforce readiness assignments online as well as attend an orientation and resume workshop. 

Fall or Spring Interns usually have the last period of the day off from school so that they can leave for their internship two to three days a week. To be able to complete 100 hours in a semester, a student must complete 8 – 10 hours per week. These hours are usually completed during business hours from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday – Friday. 

 

What is involved in the Workforce Readiness Course? Do all students have to complete this course?

The workforce readiness course is designed to make sure that all Executive High School Interns are professional and successful in the workplace setting, as well as understand how to be career ready. This required course is designed to be completed online. In addition, all students attend an orientation and resume workshop. 

 

Can you tell me more about the college credit offered through the EHSI Program?

Executive High School Interns are eligible to apply for 6 free college credits in Business and Marketing with Red Rocks Community College. The grade the student earns for the workforce readiness course is the grade that will transfer for the college credit. The courses are:

In addition to the 6 concurrent enrollment credits, students also earn a Workforce Readiness Certificate.

These credits are most beneficial for students attending Colorado State Colleges and Universities because they can transfer as elective credits.