Frequently Asked Questions

What is expected of me if I’m accepted to the WGI Internship?

WGI is designed to mirror real workplace expectations. If accepted, you are expected to:

Before the internship: 

• Complete all eight online modules by February 11, 2025. Click here to access these modules.

During the internship:

• Orientation (in-person): 

  • When: Thursday, February 12th, 9 am - 3 pm

  • Where: Jay Conference Center, 109 W 39th St, 2nd Fl, New York, NY 10018

• Attendance: Attend all 5 internship days (Thursdays, Feb 26 – March 26 from 9 am to 3 pm)

  • Arrive on time and prepared at your internship site

• Participation: 

  • Participate actively in the orientation and at your internship site 

  • Communicate with your site lead and Henry Osei, at henry@sharedlane.co, Shared Lane Communication and Operations Manager,  if any challenges come up that prevent you from participating fully in your internship

• Workforce Gateway Internship (WGI) Portfolio:

  • Capstone Project

  • Weekly reflections about your internship experience

    • Every Thursday afternoon, you will receive an email with your weekly reflection questions in a Google Form. 

    • Due Dates: Please complete your weekly reflections by the following Wednesday before your next internship session. 

    • Please note: 

• We highly recommend completing your reflections by Thursday evening, while the details are fresh. 

• Use your journals to take notes at your internship site and take pictures to document your learning.

What happens if I miss an internship day?

Attendance is very important.

• Students who cannot commit to full attendance may lose their spot at their internship

• In some cases, a student on the waitlist may be offered that spot

• If an emergency arises, you must email Henry Osei at henry@sharedlane.co, Shared Lane Communication and Operations Manager, immediately.

What should I do if I’m running late to my internship site?

Being on time is a key professional skill. If you are running late:

1. Notify your site lead immediately using the communication method they shared.

2. Notify Henry Osei, your Shared Lane contact, by email as soon as possible.

3. Do not arrive at the internship site without notifying your site lead and Henry Osei, your Shared Lane contact. 

Repeated lateness without prior notice may affect your participation.

When is the student orientation?

The student orientation will take place in person on Thursday, February 12th, at 9 am-3 pm at the Jay Conference Center, 109 W 39th St, 2nd Fl, New York, NY 10018. 

• Orientation is mandatory for all students accepted to the WGI Program.

• At the orientation, students will:

  • Meet the WGI team

  • Learn about the WGI Internship program expectations

  • Prepare for their internship experience

  • Connect with peers and WGI Internship site representatives

WGI Internship Calendar Dates

[insert calendar here]

Will lunch be provided?

Yes. Lunch will be provided by internship sites on WGI days. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please share this information in your confirmation email and with your site lead in advance.

How do I get to my internship site? 

Please access the Internship Site page for the address and train information of your internship site. Google Maps is a popular, free web tool that helps you get directions, including bus and train schedules. 

How will Shared Lane staff communicate with me during the program?

Shared Lane will use:

• Email for official updates

• Discord, a group communication platform, for:

  • Announcements and reminders

  • Asking questions

  • Direct messages with staff

Please see the Discord page for additional information and instructions on how to join the WGI Discord. 

Who can I contact if I have questions or need support?

• For questions about the WGI program or for additional support, please contact Henry Osei, Communication & Operations Manager, Shared Lane. 

• For questions about program expectations at your internship site, please contact your site lead. 

• For questions about missing schoolwork or earning academic credits, ask your school counselor. 

Asking questions is an important workplace and life skill to learn and practice. We encourage you to ask questions and advocate for yourself throughout this experience.

What skills will I work on during WGI?

You will build skills in:

• Communication

• Professionalism

• Self-advocacy

• Problem solving

• Workplace etiquette

• Understanding entry-level jobs vs. careers

• Training programs and certifications

• Planning next steps after high school

What are the online pre-work modules? Do I have to complete them?

Yes. The online pre-work modules are required. They:

• Help you understand what to expect from WGI

• Introduce key professional and career concepts

• Prepare you to fully participate at your internship site from Day 1

Each module takes 30–45 minutes, and all pre-work must be completed on Wednesday, February 11, before the WGI internship orientation.

What are the WGI weekly reflections?

The WGI weekly reflections are designed to help you:

• Think about what you’re learning

• Track your growth

• Explore careers and training pathways

• Prepare for your capstone project

Can WGI lead to future opportunities with my internship site?

Yes. WGI can serve as an admissions pathway.

• Many workforce providers use WGI to identify students to accept into their training programs.

• If you perform well, you may be encouraged to:

  • Apply to a training program after high school

  • Continue with the provider in another role or pathway

WGI does not guarantee admission, but it strengthens your application to your site’s program. In addition, doing well at your site can strengthen your application to other programs.  

Will I earn any credentials or certifications during WGI?

Some sites offer industry-recognized micro-credentials at no cost.

• These credentials are valued by employers and training programs

• Earning a credential can:

  • Strengthen your resume

  • Show commitment and skill development

  • Give you an advantage when applying after high school

• Most students will have access to a credential opportunity, depending on their site

If your site offers credentials or certifications, your site lead will share details on how you can access this opportunity.

When is the virtual family orientation?

Two orientations will take place on February 5th, 2026

• 6 pm: Orientation for English speakers

• 7 pm: Orientation for Spanish speakers

This session is designed for parents and caretakers

• The session will provide an overview of:

  • The WGI program

  • Internship expectations

  • Possible career pathways and training opportunities that are available after high school

• Zoom: Click here to join the meeting

Families are strongly encouraged to attend.

Will my counselor or other school representative visit my internship site? 

Yes. Counselors will be conducting site visits throughout the program. These visits help ensure students are supported and engaged.

Can families/ caregivers visit the internship sites?

Yes. Parents and families are invited to attend site visits on Thursday, March 19. More details will be shared in advance of the day.

The WGI experience is designed to help you learn enough to make an informed decision on what you would like to explore after high school. In addition, there are valuable professional and life lessons that can be practiced in all careers that you can work on developing during your internship.

What if I feel unsure about my internship placement after it begins?

Once you accept your WGI placement, you are making a professional commitment and are expected to complete the full internship. Placements cannot be changed or dropped after the internship begins.

Even if the placement isn’t your favorite, there is still a lot to gain:

• You learn important workplace skills (communication, time management, professionalism) that apply to any career.
  
  

• You build your resume and gain real-world experience that employers value.
  
  

• You can still network with supervisors and professionals who may help you in the future.
  
  

• You gain clarity about your interests — learning what you don’t want is just as important as learning what you do want.

Growth doesn’t always come from a perfect fit. It comes from showing up, learning through challenges, and finishing what you start.

Your participation also impacts others. How you represent yourself and your school helps determine whether future students from your school can participate in WGI. Completing your internship responsibly helps keep this opportunity open for the next generation.

If challenges come up, reach out to the Shared Lane team. Support is available, and the goal is for every student to leave WGI with meaningful skills and growth.