This article originally ran on WNDU News: http://bit.ly/1uRMa3u.
More Indiana schools are turning to innovative
methods to engage students, with programs that incorporate STEM learning and unique field trips. Another way schools are expanding curriculum without breaking the budget is through internship programs.
The program at Elkhart Central High School has been around for more than 30 years and popularity is growing. Internship coordinator, Trudy Battjes says there are a wide variety of options, too.
“We have students at hospitals, at clinics, at dental offices at veterinarian clinics. We have them just about anywhere they want to further their education career,” said Battjes.
Seniors, like Alyssa Eubanks, block out three hours of the day, either in the morning or afternoon, to participate in the program. Alyssa works for credit at an area dental office from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
“It’s a great experience. You get to learn so much, and it helps you really decide if this is something you want to do or not do,” said Eubanks.
Eubanks spends most of her time working with hygienists to learn the basics of cleaning. She hopes to one day use the skills in her career.
“She helps mostly with hygiene. I think that’s her main interest. She’s kind of helping them with perio charting, which is more checking the gums and seeing how healthy things are going. She helps with x-rays, helps hygienists turn rooms over,” said Dr. Bruce Watkins, a dentist at Watkins Family Dentistry.
There are multiple employers who participate in the program, providing students a wide variety of options. Experts at the state level say it’s a benefit to both students and employers.
“The employers have an early lead on some workforce development,” said Bill Stanczykiewicz, the President and CEO at the Indiana Youth Institute.
“There are the three R’s of education. Those are rigor, relationships, and relevance. So, an internship provides a little more rigor. We’re not just in a classroom we’re going out into the work world. Relationships, I’m getting to learn from an established professional. Relevance, oh now I’m seeing the connection between the classroom and the real world,” said Stanczykiewicz.
The Indiana Youth Institute says there is data to prove internships increase a students’ likelihood to further his or her education and find a job.
