HIRING STUDENTS

Consider hiring students for one or more of the following short-term work experiences:

• INTERNSHIPS: An internship is a work-based learning experience where a student participates in the daily operations of a work site under the direct supervision of a supervisor or business mentor. The internship provides a realistic environment within which a student intern learns about a particular industry or occupation and applies knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. The work experience should contribute to the student's career pathway helping the student to narrow their career choices. Internships can be paid or unpaid and can be compensated in various manners. Students receive 1 KEES credit per year for an internship.
  
  

• YOUTH APPRENTICESHIPS: Apprenticeship is a system of skilled occupational training that combines practical work experiences with related academic and technical instruction. An apprentice works on the job for an employer and is taught and supervised by an experienced person in the chosen occupation. The preplanned, progressively challenging work-based learning experience usually extends two to four years.
  
  

• CO-OPS (COOPERATIVE EDUCATION): Cooperative education is a method of instruction where technical classroom instruction is combined with paid employment that is directly related to classroom instruction. The cooperative method of instruction provides students enrolled in career and technical courses an opportunity to extend their employment preparation beyond the classroom. The two experiences must be planned and supervised by the school and the employer so that each contributes to the student's career objective/major and employability. Students receive 3 KEES credits per year for a co-op.

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HOW TO COORDINATE: Learn more on our Work-Based Learning Program page here.

Engaging with high school students requires an understanding of their developmental stage, learning preferences, and the social dynamics that influence their behavior and engagement in the classroom. High school students are typically between the ages of 14 and 18, a period marked by rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Consider these key characteristics below, and you can find more tips on working with this age group here:

• Cognitive Growth: Students are developing critical thinking skills and the ability to understand abstract concepts. They benefit from learning opportunities that challenge them to solve problems and think independently.

• Learning Preferences: High schoolers have varied learning styles, including visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing preferences. Effective instruction incorporates diverse teaching methods to cater to these different styles.

• Social Dynamics: Peer relationships and social interactions play a significant role in a student's life, influencing their self-esteem, motivation, and engagement with learning.

• Seeking Autonomy: This age group is striving for independence and identity formation. They respond well to being treated with respect and being given opportunities to make choices about their learning.

• Digital Natives: Most high school students are very comfortable with technology and digital platforms, which can be powerful tools for enhancing learning and engagement.