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Employment, Volunteer, & Student Internship Programs
Kapolei High School regularly receives information about exciting employment, career exploration, volunteer, and student internship opportunities!
If your organization would like to share an opportunity with our students, submissions can be reviewed through the Google Sheet below.
Students—be sure to check the Google Sheet regularly to see what new opportunities might spark your interest!
Kapolei High School Student Internship Program Information
Student, Why Consider An Internship?
Kapolei High School offers students an opportunity to complete an internship and earn academic credit. Internship programs are like test drives for your future career. You'll gain hands-on experience, see if the field is a good fit, and build valuable skills and connections that will make you a standout applicant later. Don't miss this chance to get a head start!
What Are My Internship Options?
Students have two options to pursue internship opportunities and earn academic credit:
Kapolei High School Placed Internship: Students can participate in internship programs arranged by the school. These internships offer the benefit of being pre-vetted, however, the number of opportunities available may be limited.
Self-Directed Internship: Students can find and secure their own internship with a community organization. This option requires more initiative but allows for greater customization based on their specific interests.
Who is Eligible For A Student Internship?
For Self-Directed Internships, the sponsoring organization will set its eligibility criteria and requirements.
For Kapolei High School Placed Internships, the eligibility requirements are:
Grade Level: It's recommended that students be a junior or senior.
Academic & Attendance: Students must be in and maintain satisfactory academic and attendance standing throughout their internship experience.
Teacher Recommendation: An Academy’s Program of Study Teacher recommendation is required.
May I Earn Academic Credit for An Internship Experience?
Yes, students may earn academic credit for completing an internship experience. They can earn:
Half credit (0.5) by completing 60 hours per semester
Full credit (1.0) by completing 120 hours per year
The final letter grade awarded to students on report cards and transcripts is “S” or “U”
Kapolei High School internship students are required to complete a portfolio and presentation about their experience. Students pursuing a self-directed internship must meet with Ms. Courtney Suma or Ms. Alyssa Alcos in the College and Career Center prior to starting their internship to express their interest in earning credit.
Who Will Be Supervising The Internship?
Alyssa Alcos Courtney Suma
Kapolei High School Kapolei High School
Career and Technical Education Coordinator Academy Coordinator
Alyssa.Alcos@k12.hi.us Courtney.Suma@k12.hi.us
808-305-8147 808-305-8098
Next Steps for Kapolei High School Placed Internships
Review internship opportunities on the College Career Center Student Internship Program Website
Complete the KHS Student Internship Application Google Form (LINK). You will need to upload an updated resume
Academy Program of Teacher Recommendation: Use the link (LINK) to access the Teacher Recommendation Form and ask your Academy Program of Study Teacher to complete it for you.
Ms. Suma or Ms. Alcos will contact you when both items are received and schedule your internship interview/meeting.
Next Steps for Self-Directed Internships
Secure your own internship opportunity with a community organization.
If you’re interested in earning 0.5 or 1.0 elective credit for your internship, schedule a meeting with Ms. Suma or Ms. Alcos in the College and Career Center (Library). Please bring the following items to your meeting:
Updated Resume
Internship Supervisor’s Contact Information
Community Organizations, Are You Interested in Being an Internship Host Site?
Kapolei High School is always looking for local businesses and community organizations to serve as host sites for student interns. If your company or organization is interested, please contact Alyssa Alcos or Courtney Suma (contact information provided above).
Click the image to learn more about our internship program. -->
Students, Need Additional Internship Tips?
Strategies For A Successful Internship Experience
Professionalism & Appearance:
Be on time and alert. Always be neat and clean.
Use your time efficiently (limit socializing, don't abuse breaks).
Follow dress code and company policies (cell phone use, PPE).
Absences:
All absences require emailing your supervisor, your teacher, and either Ms. Suma or Ms. Alcos explaining the reason. Specific details are outlined for:
School-related absences (24 hours notice)
Illness (same day by 8:00 AM, doctor's note may be required)
Medical limitations (doctor's note stating approval to work)
Active Learning:
Learn as much as you can about the company (website, questions).
When unsure, ask your supervisor for clarification.
Alert your employer or teacher of any potential problems.
Initiative & Enthusiasm:
Go above and beyond expectations.
Display positive energy and enthusiasm.
Networking & Portfolio Building:
Network with professionals in your field of interest.
Learn about necessary skills and education.
Expand your portfolio (projects, feedback)
Expressing Gratitude:
Write a thank-you note to the company and supervisor for the opportunity. (Required for your grade).
Mastering The Interview
Well-structured interview questions should be clear, job-related, and easy for students to answer. Here are four key types to gather valuable information:
Factual: These questions test basic knowledge and skills relevant to the internship.
Past Experiences: Questions about past actions assess how the student handled similar situations.
Candidate-Specific: Tailored questions delve deeper into the student's background and qualifications.
Probing: These questions encourage elaboration and provide a clearer picture of the student's thought process and approach to challenges
What are some possible internship interview questions:
Tell me about yourself and why you're interested in this internship. (This gauges a student's motivation and understanding of the internship role.)
What are your career goals, and how does this internship fit into those plans? (This assesses if the internship aligns with a student's long-term aspirations.)
What skills and experiences do you bring to the table that would be beneficial for this internship? (Helps understand a student's qualifications and potential contributions.)
Are you familiar with our company/organization and the work we do? (Evaluate a student's research efforts and genuine interest in the specific internship site.)
Describe a situation where you had to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. How did you approach it? (Assesses a student's problem-solving skills and ability to navigate difficulties.)
Are you a team player? Can you give an example of a time you collaborated effectively with others? (Evaluates a student's teamwork capabilities and communication skills.)
What are your learning expectations for this internship? (Helps understand a student's goals for gaining knowledge and developing skills.
Do you have any questions for me about the internship or our company/organization? (Evaluate a student's curiosity and initiative to learn more about the opportunity.)
Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination
Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in their programs and activities.
For more information, please review the HIDOE’s full Non-Discrimination Policy at:
https://hawaiipublicschools.org/useful-links/policies/nondiscrimination-policy/
Accessibility & Interpreter Requests:
If you have any special requests or needs for accessibility purposes and/or require an interpreter, please contact:
Mr. Okoji at 808-305-8117 or myles.okoji@k12.hi.us
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