What is it?

SHINE, the Stowe High Internship Experience is a partnership between Stowe High School and community businesses designed to provide internships and other career development opportunities for Stowe High Juniors and Seniors. Internships are considered a "High Impact Learning Opportunity," and SHINE is a response to our students' desires, Vermont state law regarding Flexible Pathways (Act 77), and the increasing national discussion on the value of work based learning for all students as they prepare for life after high school.

Where did it come from?

The research leading to the development of SHINE was a result of a Rowland Foundation grant awarded to Stowe High School in 2018. The foundation awards Vermont teachers and their respective high schools funds which free the teacher from classroom responsibilities in order to pursue a project that will benefit the school community. The Rowland Foundation will generously be supporting this initiative through June, 2020.

How it works

Students complete an application and sign up for SHINE as a regular class or an independent study as their schedule allows. The only prerequisite is a demonstrated work ethic. Evidence for this could be from the students scores on their SHS Scholarly Habits, a volunteer position, a paid job, or a personal project they have completed. Students will be monitored, supported throughout the experience, and assessed by both the mentor and the SHINE Coordinator on their progress toward SHS Mission Related Goals (Construct, Express, Act) as well as specific work site skills. At the end of the internship cycle (approximately 40 hours on site) students will be required to share their learning at a community celebration open to the public. Students may enroll in SHINE at any time.

How will internships be arranged?

Once students have signed up for SHINE, they will work with the coordinator at SHS to identify potential hosts/sites, then begin the process of measuring the suitability of the placement and arranging for an interview. If both the student and the community partner believe it to be a good match, they will work out the details such as scheduling, responsibilities, and expectations (beyond those required of all mentors/interns). Internships may take place during the school day, after school or on weekends.

For all inquiries related to SHINE, contact Roger Murphy roger.murphy@lsuu.org (802) 253 - 7229 ext. 1353