11th, 12th Grades  Project 16 weeks

"Internship Impact: Milestones in Motion"

Ryan M
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.7
3B-AP-14
Effective Communication
Collaboration
+ 4 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to immerse students in real-world learning through internships with local businesses, allowing them to apply academic knowledge to practical scenarios. Students will explore essential questions that foster critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration, while engaging in mini-projects that serve as milestones throughout the semester. By the end of the project, students will have developed a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics, enhanced their problem-solving skills, and articulated their growth and future aspirations through presentations and reflective practices.

Learning goals

Students will engage in a semester-long internship with a local business, conducting research and solving real-world problems, while developing effective communication and collaboration skills. They will create and present a portfolio showcasing their internship experiences, reflecting on personal and professional growth, and exploring future career paths. Through self-directed learning and critical thinking, students will identify community issues, propose innovative solutions, and understand workplace dynamics, enhancing their academic mindset and content expertise.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • [Computer Science Teachers Association] 3B-AP-14 - Construct solutions to problems using student-created components, such as procedures, modules and/or objects.
Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.

Products

Throughout the semester, students will create a series of reflective journals, multimedia presentations, and community impact reports that document their internship experiences and insights. By the end of the project, they will collaboratively design a digital portfolio showcasing their learning journey, solutions to identified community problems, and personal growth narratives. Additionally, students will organize a public exhibition where they present their projects, engage in discussions with community members, and receive feedback from peers and mentors.

Launch

Kick off the semester-long project with an interactive workshop where students meet their internship mentors and peers to co-design their individual learning goals and project plans. Facilitate a "speed networking" session to practice effective communication and collaboration skills, followed by a group brainstorming activity to identify potential real-world problems they are passionate about solving. Conclude with a reflective discussion on how their upcoming experiences can shape their personal and professional growth, setting the stage for a meaningful and impactful internship journey.

Exhibition

Students will host an Internship Showcase event where they present their projects and experiences to peers, mentors, and community members. Each student will create a multimedia presentation that highlights their learning journey, problem-solving processes, and personal growth. The exhibition will include interactive booths where students demonstrate their internship projects, share insights on workplace dynamics, and propose solutions to real-world problems identified during their internships. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with students through Q&A sessions, providing feedback and fostering meaningful dialogue. This event will serve as a platform for students to reflect on their experiences and articulate how their internships have shaped their future aspirations.