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Overview

School-to-Work (STW) is an internship program for seniors that places emphasis on professional development and adding value to our business partners. Students work exclusively at one employer that correlates with their career aspirations. In the fall, students prepare for their internship by taking a career development course. They then work at the employer for two blocks daily during the spring semester. Please note many of the internships are not paid.

 

Course Information

Students take this class and receive Dual Credit from DMACC for credits in addition to the credit awarded from Waukee Community School District.

School-to-Work Class:  WBL 110 Career Development Skills

  • 1 Term
  • Prerequisites: Acceptance into School-to-Work program

School-to-Work Internship: DMACC WBL 100 Exploring Careers, DMACC  WBL 150 Job Shadow, ADM 936 Occupational Experiences (will change in 25-26 course TBD)

  • 3 Terms (2 blocks each term recommended November start) – or –
  • 2 Terms (2 blocks required – January start)
  • Prerequisites: Application/acceptance during the junior year; School-to-Work class during term 1

Students receive 1 high school credit for each block of work completed in the School-to-Work internship in addition to college credit.

 

Student Spotlight

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“I don’t think there’s another student in Iowa who does scenic design. Normally, it’s a role that’s held by an adult. I’m doing something really special. I’ve been able to win awards for it. I have little plaques now.”

Ethan Mitchell, 2024 School-to-Work Intern

Application and Acceptance into the Program

applying for the School-to-Work program

Students need to complete the following by their deadlines:

  • An application form regarding why they should be accepted into the program and what they are looking for from an internship.
  • A recommendation from three people who have supervised you.  Teachers, coaches, activity sponsors or a work supervisor recommendation form that can speak to the student’s collaboration skills, communication skills, initiative, attendance, problem-solving ability, ability to learn, etc.

Acceptance into the School-to-Work Program

  • A record of excellent attendance during the junior year and continuing into senior year.
  • Demonstration of good citizenship – as recorded in the Counselor’s office.
  • A history of quality academic performance and support relative to the student’s career interests.
    • Students interested in any internship are highly recommended to take Business Applications (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
    • Students interested in architecture should have taken or be enrolled in a course where the student learned CAD.
    • Students interested in medical careers should have adequate preparation in science and have completed an APEX medical course.  Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)* or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)* certification is a plus.
    • Students interested in education should take Psychology, Child Development, and/or Intro to Education.
  • Available space in the student’s senior schedule.
  • Internship availability from business partners.
  • Interns must provide their own transportation and may need to supply workplace-appropriate attire.
  • Employers may require drug tests, health screenings, vaccinations, background checks, and credit examinations. Failure to pass drug tests, dishonest actions, poor attendance, or questionable behavior would result in the student being removed from the School-to-Work program.

*Waukee Community Schools will provide payment for such opportunities if taken during the academic school calendar year.

 

Student Spotlight

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“I’ve loved being apart of the School-to-Work program this year. It’s really excelled my professional skills and I have gained so much experience. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do as a career but this opportunity has helped me discover that. You’re able to get a step ahead of your peers by getting experience in a work environment that you see yourself in.”

Eva Larson, 2024 School-to-Work Intern

Business Partner Opportunities

Businesses interested in partnering with the School-to-Work internship program at Waukee Community School District should contact Tim Murphy at 515.987.9888 or tmurphy@waukeeschools.org.

Opportunities to Partner:

  • Job shadows
  • Classroom speakers
  • Unpaid internships
  • Paid internships

Contact Us

Anne Boesen, School-to-Work Coordinator (NWHS)
aboesen@waukeeschools.org

Tim Murphy, School-to-Work Coordinator (WHS)
tmurphy@waukeeschools.org

EQUITY STATEMENT:  Waukee’s School-to-Work program is available to all senior students in good standing, and will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, gender, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Students in the School-to-Work program are encouraged to succeed based on their own abilities.