Student Internship Program
Kapolei High School Internship Program Information
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: Students must be a junior or senior attending Kapolei High School.
Academic & Attendance: Students must be in satisfactory academic and attendance standing. Students must remain in satisfactory 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
Additionally, students will complete a portfolio and presentation about their internship experience.
The final letter grade awarded to students on report cards and transcripts is “S” or “U”
Fall 2024 School-Placed Student Internship Timeline
Summer 2024 KHS identifies internship locations
Aug 1st-30th Application Window For Students To Apply
Sept 9th-13th Meet & Greet Orientations with Site Mentor,
Student, Parent/Guardian, and KHS Teacher
Sept 15th- Dec 6th Internship Hours
Dec 9th-20th Final Presentation, Portfolio, & Evaluation Due
Spring 2025 School-Placed Student Internship Timeline
Fall 2024 KHS identifies internship locations
Jan 6th-31st Application Window For Students To Apply
Feb 3rd-7th Meet & Greet Orientations with Site Mentor,
Mentor, Parent/Guardian, and KHS Teacher
Feb 10th-May 2nd Internship Hours
May 5th-16th Final Presentation, Portfolio, & Evaluation Due
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.
Set an internship meeting with Ms. Suma or Ms. Alcos in the College Career Center (Library). Bring the following with you to your meeting:
Updated Resume
Internship Supervisor’s Contact Information
Laptop
Fall 2024 Internship Sites Information & Details
Coming Soon!
Important Documents for Internship Worksite Supervisors
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.)