School Programs

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I WANT TO EXPLORE A CAREER

If you are a student in the Rapid City Area School District and are looking for information on the internship programs offered in the Rapid City High Schools, you have come to the right place. Check out the following information on programs and contact the Program Directors listed below or contact:

Julie Ward
Community Partnership Facilitator
(605)-394-6986
Julie.Ward@k12.sd.us

Click HERE to view the Internship Bank!
Click HERE to view the Job Shadow Bank!

WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?

An internship is a chance for student to get their feet wet in a career choice. The student has the opportunity to experience first hand the job itself. Some internships are non-paid, volunteer experiences and some are experiences that can compensate the intern with an hourly rate. The paid internship usually requires taking additional career classes. The internship lasts for a limited time. Depending on the course in which you choose to take your internship will determine the length of your internship.

It is important for you to treat your internship like a paying job. You will want to ask important questions, dress appropriately for the experience, be enthusiastic, and practice the Character Pillars: Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Respect, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

WHAT CAN AN INTERNSHIP OFFER ME?

In one word EXPERIENCE! This will be a very valuable experience for you when choosing a study pathway or a career choice. When applying for a job the one question certain to be asked is what “real” work experience have you had? An internship will show that you have taken steps to really explore the field and go after the job or career you want. Students completing a successful internship will have gained the skills, attitudes and habits that are required to get and keep a paying job. You will also have an advantage over the competition. Good grades, strong character, and an impressive list of extracurricular activities are great, but an internship can actually launch you into the workforce.

In many instances, a good and successful internship could result in a part-time or summertime job at that company. It can at least offer you good references for a job search in the future. One of the problems with young adults is lack of experience to showcase on a job application or your resume. What a great way to make yourself marketable!!

When you complete your internship, you will have a better idea of whether the field you choose in your internship was right for you. You will also have a better idea what type of education or training you will need to pursue the field. By exploring career options while still in high school, you will be well informed about the choices you are about to make.

WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF ME?

• Provide own transportation.
• Be punctual.
• Follow dress code requirements
• Follow directions.
• Use interpersonal communication skills.
• Practice leadership skills.
• Be a team player.
• Practice confidentiality.
• Be enthusiastic.
• Use time management skills and meet deadlines.
• Use problem solving skills.
• Practice the SIX PILLARS OF CHARACTER.

RAPID CITY PROGRAMS THAT OFFER INTERNSHIPS

NON- PAID INTERNSHIPS GRANTING CREDIT

Rapid City Area Schools offer students many opportunities to explore careers while still in high school. These non-paid internships are offered as a general elective credit to be used toward graduation. For more information contact the Program Coordinators at each school or contact the Business Partnership office at (605) 394-6986.

LEARN & SERVE AMERICA

Learn and Serve America is a structured short term learning internship which engages students in community activities that show how academic skills can be used to solve real-life problems. Service Learning is a blending of both academic learning and service in such a way that both occur as part of natural school learning. Students participating in this program are placed in a service site for a short-term internship to explore a career or job shadow a business site or community non-profit organization. Students are able to use skills they are learning in school and apply them to real-life situations. The course consists of a preparation class, journaling, service hours, reflection and evaluations from student, parent, and service site. Successful completion of this course will result in .5 general elective credit. A Rapid City Area Student can earn 1.0 credit each year of their four years of High School. This course is offered at the Rapid City Academy. For more information on enrollment contact the following Coordinator:

Sue Colgan
394-4048
sue.colgan@k12.sd.us

WISE (Individualized Senior Experience)

The WISE Program offers seniors a chance to work independently in the adult world in a National Program which gives seniors the option to serve in internships, do original creative projects, and pursue a skill or life experience. The program offers the student one half general elective credit for the WISE project. The one thing a WISE project cannot do is substitute for the credits that fulfill a requirement for graduation. A WISE student must meet with a mentor, write about experiences and research in a journal, spend time with a community resource, and give a 20-30 minute presentation before task force members, and students. This course is offered at Stevens High School. A research paper is also required for presentation. For more information on enrollment, contact the following WISE Coordinator:

Stevens High School
Nancy May
718-0666
nancymay@rushmore.com

Stevens High School Principal
Katie Bray
394-4051

PAID WORK EXPERIENCE GRANTING CREDIT

CAREERS/MARKETING

• Career (11-12) One Semester – ½ Credit
• Career Decisions Work Experience (11-12) One Semester – ½ Credit

This course is designed to assist students in the world of work. Students will participate in computer activities which identify possible career options as well as mentoring activities, resume development, communication activities, and paid work experience activities.

• Marketing (11-12) One Year – 1 Credit
• Marketing Work Experience One Year – 1 Credit

Students will be introduced to the study of the principles and methods of marketing. Topics include markets, pricing, distribution, structure, products, and promotional activities. Students have the opportunity to gain credit through part-time employment. Marketing introduces students to the marketing foundations and functions that are associated with direct flow of products from the producer to the consumer. Specific units and activities are drawn from the marketing functions while integrating and applying employability, communication, math and language arts skills. This program focuses on enabling students to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to succeed in marketing jobs at the entry and career-sustaining levels and to experience success as consumers in our free enterprise system. Students will have the opportunity to complete/participate in business-related activities and to gain “real world” attitudes, skills, and knowledge through simulations, field experiences, and optional on-the-job training. Students may take the full year course for one credit (classroom instruction only) or two credits (also participation in occupational work experience.) These courses are offered at the Rapid City Academy Career Learning Center.

Mr. Keith Brugger
394-6718
keith.brugger@k12.sd.us

WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

The Stevens High School Business Department developed a work experience course in cooperation with business and industry. Its purpose is to integrate business curriculum in marketing and technology and to apply employability, communication, math and language arts skills. Activities focus on developing students’ knowledge, skill and abilities needed to succeed in entry- and career-sustaining levels, and ultimately experience success as consumers in the free enterprise system. Students have the opportunity to complete and/or participate in a business-related activity, develop ‘real-world’ attitudes, skills, and knowledge through the Work ‘Experience course. These experiences lead to the development of higher-level skills. During a cooperative work experience, high school students have the opportunity to apply their formal classroom learning to an actual career situation. Students become involved with the company, for which they work, thus developing a mentor/mentee relationship between the student and the supervisor. Students receive training in technical and career skills, while earning high school credit for successful cooperative work experiences.

The employer pays the cooperative work experience, in that students receive a wage. Students may choose to earn either one-half or one-full credit by enrolling in the work experience course. Students who work at least 180 hours earn on-half credit, whereas students who work at least 360 hours earn one-full credit. Students are required to work between 10-15 hours per week continuously throughout the year. This course must be taken simultaneously with Marketing in order to receive credit. This course is offered at Stevens High School.

Deborah Reynolds
394-4051 ext. 298
deborah.reynolds@k12.sd.us

PILLARS OF CHARACTER CHARACTER COUNTS WORK ETHIC GUIDELINES
TRUSTWORTHINESS Work scheduled hours. Give proper notice of anticipated absences. Keep confidences; never reveal. Be honest, reliable, and ethical. Do not lie, cheat, deceive, or take advantage of others.	RESPECT Use good manners; be courteous and polite. Treat supervisors, co-worker, and customers with courtesy, honor and respect. Follow the Golden Rule. Accept instruction and modify behavior when necessary.	RESPONSIBILITY Take pride in work, show initiative, pursue excellence and be prepared. Be loyal in attendance and always punctual. Manage time and company resources wisely.
CITIZENSHIP Demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic work attitude. Follow company policies, regulations, and procedures. Accurately report hours worked. Take care of equipment and resources. Be a role model to others.	CARING Show kindness and sensitivity to the feelings of others. Express gratitude. Take time to help others. Do quality work and attend to details. Take pride in your work.	FAIRNESS Promote and model a positive attitude. Be a team player. Be open-minded without favoritism or prejudice. Be flexible and listen to all points of view.

CLICK HERE to View All Internship Opportunities