Internship Program
The internship program provides eligible students the opportunity to utilize their last year of high school to gain purposeful experiences that will help them get on track to their futures. Specifically, the program allows high school seniors who have completed their graduation requirements and passed the high school proficiency assessment (HSPA) to intern with local companies, serve as a teacher’s assistant, volunteer time in approved community programs, or take college courses for high school credit. The goal is to develop career awareness and planning skills, employability skills, and foundational knowledge necessary for success in the workplace. This 12th grade program is coordinated by the New Jersey Department of Education.
Career Internships are unpaid, structured learning experiences designed specifically for the Department of Education’s 12th Grade Option initiative. Qualifying high school seniors may elect to participate in 12th Grade Option Career Internship.
School districts may include Career Internships as part of their overall career orientation education plan. Career Internships are structured, supervised activities that may take place in a school district, at an employer or agency, a community- or faith-based organization, or in the community. Career Internships are designed to give students structured, supervised activities that will assist them to accomplish the following:
The New Jersey Department of Labor, Division of Wage and Hour Compliance also recognizes the value of career orientation education for students, which includes Career Internships. Department of Labor Wage and Hour regulations define Career Awareness and Exploration (N.J.A.C. 12:56-18.1, School-to-work program) as structured school programs that enable student learners to do the following:
Career Internships are unpaid, structured learning experiences designed specifically for the Department of Education’s 12th Grade Option initiative. Qualifying high school seniors may elect to participate in 12th Grade Option Career Internship.
School districts may include Career Internships as part of their overall career orientation education plan. Career Internships are structured, supervised activities that may take place in a school district, at an employer or agency, a community- or faith-based organization, or in the community. Career Internships are designed to give students structured, supervised activities that will assist them to accomplish the following:
- Clarify career goals
- Explore career possibilities
- Develop employability skills
- Make the transition between school and employment or further education and training
The New Jersey Department of Labor, Division of Wage and Hour Compliance also recognizes the value of career orientation education for students, which includes Career Internships. Department of Labor Wage and Hour regulations define Career Awareness and Exploration (N.J.A.C. 12:56-18.1, School-to-work program) as structured school programs that enable student learners to do the following:
- Develop awareness of the many employment opportunities available
- Develop awareness of the relevant factors to be considered in making career decisions
- Become familiar with occupational clusters and classifications
- Explore key occupational areas and assess their own interests and abilities
- Develop tentative occupational plans and arrive at a tentative career choice
