In the Pottsville High School Internship Program, students who work at part-time jobs or volunteer at regularly scheduled times, enjoy the privilege of early release with the added benefit of obtaining academic credit for their school and work efforts. The program is open to all seniors (regardless of academic pathway). It provides in-school career instruction plus relevant work-based learning.
Course Credit Students can earn a maximum of 2 credits in one year.
Per semester, student MUST meet ALL these requirements in order to earn credit:
● At least 120 work hours a semester at their place of employment. (60-119 hours receives a ½ credit. 120+ hours receives a full credit)
● 18 in-class meetings each semester (these are held once a week except for the first week of each semester when we have 2 meetings)
● Earn a passing grade
If a student does not meet ALL of these requirements, then they will NOT earn credit for the course, and will not be able to stay in the course for the Spring semester.
When can students leave school? Students enrolled in Sr. Internship are allowed to leave school daily, EXCEPT on meeting days, after their last period to go work. Meeting days are held on Tuesday during 1st period. Students MUST sign out daily at the front office in the Sr. Internship sign out binder. If you are in 8th period athletics, you will have to come back to school. You cannot “hang out” at school and wander.
In-class meetings: Student Attendance Policy
Your attendance in this weekly class meeting is mandatory and important.
Failure to follow the correct notification of absence policy will result in a contract violations grade deduction each time. Our objective is to learn good workplace ethics and habits.
There are no excused or unexcused absences. All class meetings must be made-up in order to meet the 18 contact hours and earn credit for the course.
You are aware of field trips, conferences, and competitive events for the student youth organization well in advance. You must notify me in advance also.
Do not expect me to go over make-up work with you during class time.
Do not schedule other appointments during Internship class meeting days.
Do not ask me to go to another teacher’s class to work on a project whether it has a deadline or not. This is poor planning on your part.
You have many privileges with this program and you must make a commitment to your responsibilities. Therefore, if another organization has a meeting or function during your Internship class meeting time, you have already committed to this program.
Students who miss more than 2 unexcused or excused absences can be dropped from the course.
Topics covered in the classroom portion of the program:
Business and Professional Etiquette
Communication in the Workplace – active listening, constructive criticism, body language, eye contact, etc.
Professional Dress – business casual vs professional vs casual
Pre-Employment Screenings – types and expectations, including importance of having a proper social media presence
Job Search - applications, resumes, references, cover letters, thank you follow-up emails after interviews, resignation letters, etc.
Interview Strategies - preparation, questions to expect, etc.
Leadership and People Management– what makes a good leader vs a bad one, etc.
Ethics in the Workplace – importance of controlling attitude, behavior and emotions
Employability – soft skills, transferable skills, academic skills, etc.
Payroll – frequencies, earnings (exempt, non-exempt, commission, etc.), deductions (benefits, FIT/SS/MED taxes, garnishments etc.), calculations (gross to net), how to read a paycheck including YTD details, associated forms (W2, I9, etc.)
Income Taxes - who has to pay, percentages based on income, preparing and filing, etc.
Early Planning for Retirement - 401k/403b, IRA/Roth IRA, annuities, other options
Credit - why it’s needed, how to get it and properly use it, components of the credit score and it’s impact, how loans work, etc.