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Employer Internship Guide Seminole County Public Schools Dear Valued Community Partner,
Employer Internship Guide Seminole County Public Schools
Dear Valued Community Partner,
Thank you so much for your interest in hosting an intern from Seminole County Public Schools. A community’s
future economic competitiveness and long term success are tied directly to the quality and skills of its workforce
(National League of Cities, 2010). Your partnership with the district’s workplace learning program will allow high
school students to apply their classroom learning to an authentic setting, which strengthens the talent pipeline in
Central Florida.
Since its inception, ePathways has worked with local employers to provide hundreds of internships to high school
students. This guide was created to serve as a resource in planning for and supporting a high school intern. You
may find this resource helpful in conceptualizing a student intern’s contributions to your organization. This guide
does not need to be read in its entirety but may be helpful in answering any questions you have as you consider and
subsequently hire an intern.
Thank you for your dedication to Seminole County’s future graduates, citizens, and consumers.
Thank you,
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EMPLOYER INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
SCPS COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYERS ........................................................................................................................................ 5
EMPLOYER NEED TO KNOW CHECKLIST ..................................................................................................................................... 6
PART ONE: PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERN ............................................................................................................................... 7
Selecting an Intern .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Hiring an Intern ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Formalizing the Job Offer ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
PART TWO: GETTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT ...................................................................................................................... 10
Day One ................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
The Orientation Check list ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
PART THREE: SUPPORTING YOUR INTERN ............................................................................................................................... 13
Sustaining a Positive and Productive Experience .................................................................................................................. 14
Requirements ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Reporting Hours Worked ...................................................................................................................................................... 16
Addressing Issues: Parent Interactions, Terminating an Intern, etc. .................................................................................... 16
PART FOUR: CONCLUDING THE INTERNSHIP ........................................................................................................................... 18
You made it! .......................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Continuing the Partnership ................................................................................................................................................... 19
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 20
APPENDIX A SCPS CONTACTS ................................................................................................................................................... 21
APPENDIX B STUDENT DOCUMENTS ....................................................................................................................................... 22
EXECUTIVE Internship Authorization Form ........................................................................................................................... 23
SCPS Student Internship Plan ................................................................................................................................................ 25
SCPS Final Student Internship Evaluation ............................................................................................................................. 29
Request for Pass/Fail Status .................................................................................................................................................. 31
SCPS Executive Student Internship Completion Rubric ........................................................................................................ 33
EMPLOYER INTRODUCTION
Seminole County Public Schools is partnering with local employers and community groups to offer workplace
learning opportunities to high school juniors and seniors. The goals for this partnership include:
1. Cultivating communication skills for students in realistic contexts
2. Deepening content area knowledge through real world application
3. Providing students with opportunities to develop an appreciation for the world of work.
The internship program aims to provide students with authentic workplace experiences that provide insight into
entrepreneurship or public service. Students develop skills that will strengthen the future workforce and prepare
them to pursue career pathways related to their interests and talents.
Benefits of Workplace Learning
Through business partnerships, SCPS is able to respond to the changing demands of local industry and
provide relevant learning opportunities to students.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers surveyed employers in 2010 and found that hiring
interns decreases new employee turnover and increases overall retention rates.
Internships provide a low-cost method for cultivating talent and identifying potential long-term
employees.
In a well-structured high school internship, students can provide consistent, quality work to meet short-
term employer needs typically met by temporary workers.
As the largest employer in Seminole County, partnering with the school district can help employers
become more recognizable to SCPS students, and their families, and staff.
In 2013, researchers Shoenfelt, Stone and Kottke identified internships as an established mechanism to
increase employability through the development of skills important to employers and the future
workforce success of participating students.
Students participate in meaningful employment that allows them to explore career interests, apply their
talents and gain valuable employment skills and experience.
SCPS COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYERS
Seminole County Public Schools understands the commitment of time and human resources to the acquisition of a
student intern. Based on feedback from past employer partners, the following expectations have been developed
for all interns participating in Executive
Internship 1, the course in which all interns are enrolled.
1. Students participating in Executive Internship 1 are representatives of Seminole County Public Schools and as such are expected to not only adhere to the Seminole County Code of Conduct but also to reflect the high standards of the district.
2. It is an expectation of this course that students will check their email regularly and respond to SCPS and employers in an appropriate and timely fashion.
3. Employers have committed to offering students a full (133 hours) or half credit (66.5 hours) internship experience. Students are required to complete their internship. Failure to complete the required hours will result in a failing grade.
4. In order to maximize the benefits for the student and employer, an internship plan will be created prior to the first day of work and will outline the goals and expectations for the internship for both the intern and the employer.
5. Employers reserve the right to terminate an intern for failure to meet the expectations outlined in the internship plan or for violations of company or school district policies. The school district and employer are not responsible for finding alternative placement opportunities in the event an intern is terminated.
6. Reliable transportation is the responsibility of the student. No transportation will be provided by Seminole County Public Schools or participating employers.
7. Internships can be paid or unpaid at the discretion of the employer.
8. SCPS facilitators work with students and employers throughout the internship to ensure the internship is beneficial for the student and employer.
EMPLOYER NEED TO KNOW CHECKLIST
Hiring an Intern
Provide a description of the experience to SCPS for publication and promotion.
Attend the Internship Expo to meet students and collect resumes from interested applicants.
Reach out to students and schedule interviews within two weeks of the Expo.
Make an offer to your first choice but make sure to keep back-ups in case your ideal candidate declines your offer.
After the student has accepted, invite them to your business within 30 days of the Expo to complete the hiring
process and SCPS digital internship paperwork.
Inform intern of start date and expectations for first day of work.
Planning for your intern
Ensure your intern will have a place to work on their first day (i.e. a desk, table, etc.).
Make sure you have the equipment/supplies needed so that the intern may begin working on day one (i.e. computer,
building access, network access, uniform, etc.).
Identify a team member who will serve as the intern’s point of contact for tasks, outcomes and expectations.
Outline some major goals and tasks the intern will be working on during their internship and create a timeline for
these tasks.
Day One
Provide your intern with a brief orientation and overview of your business.
Give your intern a tour of the facility. Don’t forget to point out the restrooms, break rooms, etc.
Clearly outline expectations of the intern, including acceptable dress, communication protocol and procedures for
calling in sick or requesting time off.
Introduce the intern to their supervisor and point of contact. Explain this person’s role to the intern and how to
contact them if needed.
Explain the major goals and tasks the intern will be working on during their internship. Provide a timeline for
completing these tasks.
Supporting a Successful Experience
Schedule a regular check-in with the intern to provide direction, support and feedback regarding their progress.
Within the first 30 days, participate in the site visit with the intern and SCPS staff.
In the last 30 days, participate in the check-in phone call with SCPS staff.
Communicate any concerns regarding the intern early and clearly. Contact SCPS staff immediately if any issues
arise.
Concluding the Internship
Schedule a time to debrief with the intern’s supervisor or point of contact and review the intern’s performance.
Schedule a time to conduct a final evaluation with the intern. Remind the intern to submit their evaluation to SCPS
for credit.
PART ONE: PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERN
Need to Know for this Section
Hiring an Intern
Provide a description of the experience to SCPS for publication and promotion.
Attend the Internship Expo to meet students and collect resumes from interested applicants.
Reach out to students and schedule interviews within two weeks of the Expo.
Make an offer to your first choice but make sure to keep back-ups in case your ideal candidate declines
your offer.
After the student has accepted, invite them to your business within 30 days of the Expo to complete the
hiring process and SCPS internship paperwork (digital).
Inform intern of start date and expectations for day one.
Planning for your intern
Ensure your intern will have a place to work on their first day (i.e. a desk, table, etc.).
Make sure you have the equipment/supplies needed so that the intern may begin working on day one
(i.e. computer, building access, network access, uniform, etc.).
Identify a team member who will serve as the intern’s point of contact for tasks, outcomes and
expectations.
Outline some major goals and tasks the intern will be working on during their internship and create a
timeline for these tasks.
Selecting an Intern
Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) believes that employers are the most qualified to determine which
student will meet their needs and support their company’s vision. SCPS does not place students into internship
positions; employers identify potential candidates and interview them to make a hiring decision. SCPS hosts
Internship Expos in spring and fall of each year to facilitate this process. This evening event is usually held at a
local hotel or event center and provides an opportunity for employers to showcase their business and meet
interested internship candidates. Employers provide a description of their opportunity prior to the event and SCPS
publicizes each position to students before the Expo. On average, 500-600 students attend each Expo dressed
professionally and ready to talk to employers offering jobs that align with their particular skills and talents. SCPS
encourages students to maximize their time by planning for and meeting with employers offering positions that
might be a good fit for them. Employers typically meet with and collect resumes from approximately 50 students!
Attending the Expo is the best way to identify students who might be a good fit for your internship
opportunity. Employers who attend the Expo report overall higher satisfaction with the hiring process and
internship experience. If an emergency arises and you are unable to attend the Expo, SCPS can collect resumes
and send them to you by mail. This method can work but employers often find decreased student interest without
the personal connection created at the event.
Hiring an Intern
After attending the Internship Expo, it is very important that employers reach out to their preferred candidates
quickly. All employers are asked to complete the hiring process within 30 days of the Internship Expo. This
process includes formalizing the job offer in person with the student. This timeline exists to ensure the employer
gets their preferred candidate and allows SCPS to communicate with the student’s parents and school to make sure
the student will be able to complete the internship.
Suggested Timeline
Expo: Collect Resumes at the Internship Expo. At the Expo, you will receive a lot of resumes. It is important
to identify a prioritization strategy before the Expo. Employers in the past have used the following strategies to
identify candidates they think might be best for the job:
Note taking on resumes identifying those who merit a call back and those who don’t (this strategy can be
time consuming when a lot of students show an interest in your position).
Utilize a piling strategy on the table provided with piles for candidates who merit a call back and those
who don’t.
Provide preferred candidates with a business card or website to access where they can apply directly.
Ask preferred candidates to sign-up for pre-identified interview times so you leave the Expo with
interviews scheduled.
You are welcome to use whatever strategy works best for your business. Given the amount of students who will
attend, you may find it helpful to bring another employee to help you meet with students and collect resumes.
Additionally, you may want to bring a printed description of your position and any follow-up directions you have
for candidates. This will help prevent you from repeating the same information with each student.
1 Week after the Expo: Call students to schedule interviews. It may take some time to coordinate interview
schedules. For this reason, we encourage you to call students quickly after the Expo so that you may begin the
interview process.
2 Weeks after the Expo: Interview candidates. You are welcome to interview as many students as your
schedule allows. SCPS provides interview preparation to students including information on appropriate dress and
etiquette. Despite our efforts, students do occasionally fail to report to interviews. We understand that this can be
disappointing and we apologize in advance for the inconvenience. Please make us aware when this happens and
we will follow up with the student.
3 Weeks after the Expo: Offer the position. Call your future intern and offer them the job! Don’t forget to
review the details with them (will the position be paid, where will they be working, etc.). During this call you will
schedule a time for your intern to come in and meet with you face-to-face. Hosting this meeting in person will
allow the intern to demonstrate they can make it to your facility and it will allow both you and the intern an
opportunity to complete the necessary paperwork to formalize internship.
4 Weeks after the Expo: Formalize the offer by meeting with your intern(s) in person. Interns should report
to your business to complete your hiring process along with district paperwork. This final step informs SCPS of
your intern selection and enrolls the student into an internship course.
Formalizing the Job Offer
SCPS requires that employers meet with interns within 30 days of the Internship Expo. During this meeting the
employer and intern will complete the internship paperwork together. The electronic form requests information
essential to enrolling the student in their internship program and serves as notification to SCPS of the employer’s
hiring decision. During this first meeting, both the employer and intern will create an Internship Plan. This plan
serves as the guide for the internship and outlines the goals and expectations of the intern. Once the intern has
completed the face-to-face meeting, the job offer is considered finalized and the intern is enrolled in the course.
This meeting will serve as the first hour reported on the intern’s time card and can be counted towards their
overall hours requirement. This time may or may not be compensated at the discretion of the employer.
PART TWO: GETTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
Need to Know for this Section
Day One
Provide your intern with a brief orientation and overview of your business.
Give your intern a tour of the facility. Don’t forget to point out the restrooms, break rooms, etc.
Clearly outline expectations of the intern including: acceptable dress, communication protocol and
procedures for calling in or requesting time off.
Introduce the intern to their supervisor and point of contact. Explain this person’s role to the intern and
how to contact them if needed.
Explain the major goals and tasks the intern will be working on during their internship. Provide a
timeline for completing these tasks.
Day One
The initial days of the internship set the tone for the overall experience. It is important to make the first days
count! If you give interns very little to do, it sends the message that the job will be easy and they won’t be asked
to contribute very much. Neither the employer nor the intern want that! In order to start on the right foot, it is
important to plan for success.
Prior to the start date of the intern, the employer should consider the following:
Who will supervise the intern throughout the process?
Where will the intern be located within the office? Will the intern have their own desk or will they share a
space with another employee?
What are the essential job training elements the intern will need prior to beginning industry related work?
Who will provide this training?
Does the intern need information about company, state, or federal safety regulations in your industry? Are
there any safety arrangements that need to be made with regard to the intern? Who will provide the
necessary safety instruction to the intern?
Many students are unfamiliar with the activities, environment, and objectives of business, public service and
industry. Interns may have volunteered or worked part-time before but these experiences may not have exposed
them to dynamics like organizational politics, the need for confidentiality, the importance of teamwork, or the
entrepreneurial focus of business. Including an orientation session at the beginning of the intern training process
emphasizes the partnership and commitment to internships in your workplace.
The sooner your student interns understand what your organization does and how it operates, the sooner they can
assume assigned responsibilities and become productive. You can communicate this information in several ways:
Take your interns on a tour of the facility and introduce them to the other employees.
Give your interns company materials to read such as newsletters, annual reports, an organization chart, or
memos from the CEO.
Encourage your interns to spend break and lunchtimes in places where employees gather.
Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with them.
Give the intern opportunities to observe (or participate in) professional meetings.
Allow the intern to interview company personnel.
Encourage the intern to walk around and observe others at work.
The Orientation Check list
An orientation can be a great way to answer some of your intern’s questions and orient them to your organization. Interns
will feel more comfortable and confident when employers have taken adequate time at the beginning of the internship for
training. This allows employers to reap the benefits of increased productivity and effectiveness more quickly than those who
do not. In acclimating interns, please take time initially to:
Explain the Mission of the Organization
How did the organization start? Why?
What is unique about your product or service?
Who benefits from your product or service?
What are the organization's current objectives?
How may the intern contribute to those objectives?
Explain the Organizational Structure
Who reports to whom?
Who, specifically, is the intern's supervisor?
What is the intern's department responsible for?
How are decisions made?
Which personnel can answer different kinds of questions?
Outline Organizational Rules, Policies, Decorum and Expectations
Is there specific industry jargon?
What are the specific work standards and procedures?
When can the intern talk with a supervisor? (days, times, and duration) How do the mail and telephone systems
work?
What are the approved forms for correspondence?
By what safety regulations must they abide?
Are there any security or confidentiality issues to discuss with the intern?
What is acceptable with regard to dress and appearance?
How should the intern maintain the premises and their work area?
Define the Intern's Responsibilities
What is the intern's role? Provide a clear job description.
What projects will be assigned to the intern and who will supervise these projects?
Who should the intern contact with questions or concerns? How should the intern schedule time with their
supervisor?
What resources are available to the intern?
What training is necessary?
How does the organization want the intern to deal with clients and vendors?
What tasks can be completed without supervisory approval?
Do other employees understand the intern's role?
PART THREE: SUPPORTING YOUR INTERN
Need to Know for this Section
Supporting a Successful Experience
Schedule a regular check-in with the intern to provide direction, support and feedback regarding their
progress.
Within the first 30 days, participate in a site visit with the intern and SCPS staff.
In the last 30 days, participate in a check-in phone call with SCPS staff.
Communicate any concerns regarding the intern early and clearly. Contact SCPS staff immediately if
any issues arise.
Sustaining a Positive and Productive Experience
It is suggested that the intern’s supervisor meet regularly with the intern to provide feedback concerning their performance.
These brief meetings will provide an opportunity to coach, counsel and reinforce positive attitudes and performance. During
these meetings, the students can:
Report on the status of a project
Ask questions
Learn how their work is contributing to the organization
Participate in an evaluation of their strengths
Discuss areas needing growth and development
Get a sense of what kind of work lies ahead
There are many ways to make the internship both memorable and engaging for the intern and the employer:
Professional Development Activities: Allow interns to develop their professional skills by allowing them to sit in on
meetings and work with employees in other departments for a day. Provide opportunities for interns to attend career
development events/seminars in the community to learn new skills.
SCPS only requires one site visit within the first 30 days of employment. During this in-person visit, the facilitator will
ensure that the student is meeting the expectations of the employer and that all necessary paperwork has been completed.
The facilitator will discuss the Internship Plan with the employer and intern to make sure the goals and expectations of the
experience are clearly identified. The facilitator will also review the internship requirements with the student. The
facilitator can make additional in-person visits at any time at the request of the employer to help mitigate any issues or
concerns. You should contact the SCPS Internship Facilitator directly in the event that the internship conditions
must be altered, such as a change in supervisor, delays in the availability of data needed by the students to complete
an assignment, transfer or termination of an employee involved in the intern’s work, or other unanticipated changes.
Requirements
In order to maximize the positive benefits for both the employer and student, and in order to meet requirements
for high school credit courses, SCPS has outlined a few basic requirements for the internship experience.
The student will maintain an accurate, current time card to be verified by the employer as a record of
attendance.
The student and employer will develop an internship plan to outline their goals for the experience and to
document their expectations for the intern.
The intern will have one in-person site visit with their SCPS Facilitator and their supervisor within the first
30 days of employment to review the goals and expectations of the internship.
The employer will conduct a final evaluation of the intern utilizing their company’s evaluation (if they are
comfortable sharing the instrument with SCPS) or a generic evaluation developed specifically for
Executive Internship course.
Internship Plan
Students will work with their employer to develop an internship plan that outlines the learning outcomes and goals
for the intern during their internship. The plan also outlines the final evaluation tool to be used by the employer.
Students are expected to make progress towards the goals outlined in this plan. The SCPS facilitator will support
the student in achieving these goals throughout the course. The employer will aid the student in making
satisfactory progress by providing work opportunities that help the student make satisfactory progress towards the
goals. If at any time the student or employer feel that adequate progress is not being made, the SCPS facilitator
should be contacted to mediate any issues. The employer reserves the right to end employment for failure to
adhere to the internship plan.
Site Visit
Each intern has been assigned an SCPS facilitator. The SCPS facilitator will conduct a site visit and help answer
questions that interns or employers have as they arise throughout the internship. It is the student’s responsibility
to communicate with their SCPS facilitator and employer to establish mutually agreeable dates and times
for a site visit within the first 30 days of employment. The facilitator will check in with students to evaluate
their performance and ensure that the internship plan expectations and goals are being met.
Final Evaluation
During the final week of employment, the student will schedule a meeting with their employer to participate in a
final evaluation. The employer will use the evaluation tool identified in the internship plan (either the
organization’s instrument or the generic tool developed for this course). The intern will be evaluated on the goals
outlined in the internship plan along with other essential elements identified by the employer.
Professionalism Rubric
Throughout the internship, the SCPS facilitator will be in contact with the intern and employer. After reviewing
the intern’s final evaluation, the SCPS facilitator will complete a professionalism rubric based on their interaction
with the student. The rubric is included in Appendix B and includes components such as punctuality, professional
and courteous communication, and the completion of SCPS internship requirements.
Reporting Hours Worked
The student will complete a time card document for SCPS, listing the hours, days, and weekly/monthly totals for
the job. Federal and state labor laws must be followed. The time card is the official audit record for the
school and is an important document needed for attendance. Students will utilize a Google Doc to keep a
digital record of their attendance. Employers will verify the student’s hours using a link provided by SCPS.
Students are encouraged to report their hours weekly, but all hours must be documented at least biweekly.
Employers then have the following week to verify the student’s hours and will sign a printed time card at the end
of the internship verifying all hours worked. It is the student’s responsibility to upload this document into to their
SCPS Executive Internship course in eCampus.
What should the student do if they will be sick or need time off?
Students should follow the practices identified by the employer for requesting time off and calling in sick from
work. The SCPS facilitator should be notified if the student will be missing more than three days of work.
Employers are not expected to adhere to the SCPS school calendar. SCPS understands that students may need to
work on days that are SCPS holidays or weekends. All scheduling decisions are made by the employer. SCPS
has communicated to students that a failure to show up for work without calling in advance is grounds for
termination in many organizations.
Why is the time card so important?
Attendance is a very important record requirement for every school. Audits may occur annually for these records,
and all student time cards must be kept by the school district for five years. Because this course is also taken for
high school credit, the teacher must maintain accurate and meticulous attendance records. It should be noted
that a student’s falsification of a time card is a violation of the SCPS Honor Code and subject to
consequences identified in the SCPS Code of Conduct.
Addressing Issues: Parent Interactions, Terminating an Intern, etc.
As with any employee, issues may arise when working with an intern. The SCPS facilitator is assigned to assist
with any challenges that are identified during the internship. While the goal of the internship is to help students
develop the skills needed to be successful in the workplace, SCPS is also committed to ensuring that the
employer’s time and efforts are respected. For this reason, we encourage you to reach out to an SCPS Facilitator
with any and all concerns early in the internship experience. We encourage you to mentor and support the
interns, but we respect your right to terminate an internship for failure to meet your standards. SCPS will
also manage all communications with parents of interns. Employers can direct any communication about the
student’s internship to the SCPS facilitator.
PART FOUR: CONCLUDING THE INTERNSHIP
Need to Know for this Section
Concluding the Internship
Schedule a time to debrief with the intern’s supervisor or point of contact and review the intern’s
performance.
Schedule a time to conduct a final evaluation with the intern. Remind the intern to submit their
evaluation to SCPS for credit.
You made it!
At the beginning of each semester, employers will be notified of the start and end dates of the internship. Students
may not work beyond these dates as SCPS interns. As the time with your intern comes to a close, it is important
to begin the process of concluding the internship.
When concluding the internship, review the intern’s overall performance. SCPS asks that employers schedule
time with each intern to review their performance and determine whether they met the goals outlined in their
internship plan. The student will provide a copy of this evaluation to their SCPS facilitator for a completion
grade. The final evaluation provides the employer and intern with an opportunity to discuss future employment
options with the student (if applicable) and hold an exit interview to discuss the experience.
During the final evaluation, you may use the evaluation used by your business or industry or the one provided by
SCPS in this reference guide. The following questions can also be used during the final evaluation to facilitate
conversation:
What went well?
What could be improved?
Did the intern feel the workload was manageable?
Were all the learning objectives met?
What was the intern’s overall impression of the employer and industry?
What would the intern tell their friends about the company and the experience?
Final evaluations are also a great time for interns to demonstrate their accomplishments and for other employees
to see the value of internships. Some employers choose to conduct final evaluations in conjunction with a final
project or presentation.
Continuing the Partnership
SCPS is dedicated to continuous improvement. At the conclusion of the internship, we will provide you with a
brief survey. Please tell us about your experience and how we can make the internship program more beneficial
for you and students. At this time, you will also have the opportunity to tell us whether you are interested in
hosting a high school intern again in the future. You are also welcome to reach out to us to schedule a more in
depth conversation about internships and workplace learning.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A student’s transportation fell through, is that an acceptable reason for them to fail to report for their internship?
Unfortunately, reliable transportation is the responsibility of the student and it would not be an acceptable reason to miss
work. Students should call their employer in the event that they must miss work. Students should follow-up this phone call
with an email to their supervisor and SCPS Facilitator to inform them of their absence. If transportation becomes a
frequent issue it could be grounds for termination.
Can an intern receive community service hours for their internship experience?
No, interns are receiving high school credit for their experience and for this reason cannot be awarded community service
hours.
Can interns begin working prior to the start date provided by the district?
No, students must begin on or after the start date provided by the district. This will ensure that all student schedules have
been finalized, students have been enrolled in the online course and have received the required introductory information
prior to beginning work.
Can students work after the completion date provided by the district?
Student hours must be completed prior to the deadline provided by the district to ensure that grades are calculated and
submitted in time to meet graduation deadlines and other grading requirements. If an employer wishes to extend the
internship beyond the internship period, this decision would be at the employer’s will and outside of the SCPS workplace
learning initiative.
The intern is not meeting the expectations outlined in the internship plan, what should I do?
In the event that you are unsatisfied with the performance of your intern, please contact their assigned district level
administrator who will make every effort to mediate the issue. The employer reserves the right to terminate the intern at
their discretion at any time.
A parent called and is unhappy about a student work schedule. Do I have to deal with parents directly?
Interns should be treated as your other employees would. For this reason, please refer parent questions or concerns to the
SCPS Facilitator.
What do I do when the internship is over?
Sign-up for another intern and tell your friends! SCPS needs employers to host students throughout the year, so
opportunities are always available to secure your next intern.
What if I want to keep my intern?
We understand that accepting interns is a big investment of your time. In the event you wish to retain your intern we have
outlined a few ways this may be possible:
1. Option 1: Utilize your trained intern to recruit and train your next intern. Allowing your previous intern to take on
a leadership role will help them develop their skills and talents, and it will create a talent pipeline for your business
while providing increased opportunities for students. In this case your intern would be completing a new role and
would qualify for Executive Internship 2 for high school credit.
2. Option 2: Hire your intern as a paid employee outside of the SCPS workplace learning program.
APPENDIX A SCPS CONTACTS
Executive Director of ePathways Dr. Jason Wysong [email protected]
ePathways Facilitator Jill Fierle [email protected]
ePathways Facilitator Carol Gamble [email protected]
ePathways Facilitator Gene Tavares [email protected]
ePathways Facilitator Kristina Vliek [email protected]
ePathways Facilitator Stephanie Wall [email protected]
ePathways Teacher on Assignment
Nicholina Wilson [email protected]
ePathways Data Specialist Cathy Krupica [email protected]
www.scps.us/workplace-learning
/ePathways @ePathwaySCPS
APPENDIX B STUDENT DOCUMENTS
EXECUTIVE INTERNSHIP 1 AUTHORIZATION FORM
Congratulations on being selected by an employer for an internship opportunity! Students participating in Executive Internship 1 are representatives of Seminole County Public Schools and as such are expected to not only adhere to the Seminole County Code of Conduct but also to reflect the high standards of the district. Please review the following requirements for Executive Internship 1 and complete this mandatory form with your parent or guardian to finalize your enrollment. This form requires your signature and a parent or guardian signature for completion. Please submit this form in the ePathways online internship course through eCampus in which you are already enrolled. Do not send it via mail or email, as it will not be accepted. Make sure to keep a copy for your records.
REQUIREMENTS • Students will be supported virtually through eCampus, the district’s learning management
system. Students will complete 3 hours of online content prior to entering the workplace.
Students who do not complete the online activities will not be permitted to begin the
workplace portion of their internship. Students are expected to check eCampus regularly
and to respond to all instructor communications, include emails and phone calls in a
timely manner.
• Students are required to accurately and honestly report their work hours. Hours will be
reported and approved using an online format provided by SCPS.
• Enrollment in Executive Internship 1 is required to receive credit for the internship
experience and to participate in district supported internship experiences.
• To qualify for 1.0 credit, students are required to complete 133 work hours and 3 hours of
online content in the online orientation course. This course can be taken Pass/Fail or for a
letter grade. A failure to complete required hours will result in a failing grade.
Once a student has committed to an internship they will be enrolled in the class and
expected to complete the required hours. Failure to fulfill this commitment will result in a
failing grade.
• Students and employers will create an Internship Plan. Employers reserve the right to terminate an intern for failure to meet the expectations outlined in the Internship Plan or for violations of company or school district policies. The school district and employer are not responsible for finding alternative placement opportunities in the event an intern is terminated.
• Reliable transportation is the responsibility of the student. No transportation will be provided
by Seminole County Public Schools or participating employers. Students may not
participate in an internship if they do not have reliable transportation.
• Internships can be paid or unpaid at the discretion of the employer.
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STUDENT INFORMATION
Name:
Grade:
School:
Email:
Phone Number:
□ I understand the requirements for participation in Executive Internship 1 and agree to fulfill my commitment to the employer and to adhere to the expectations outlined in this form.
PARENT INFORMATION
Parent Name:
Parent Phone Number:
Parent Email:
□ I authorize my child to participate in Executive Internship 1 and understand my student must adhere to the requirements outlined in this form.
EMPLOYER INFORMATION (TO BE FILLED OUT BY STUDENT)
Company Name:
Supervisor’s Name:
Supervisor’s Phone Number:
Company Address:
Will this be a paid internship? if so, how much?
What days and times will the intern be working?
Average Hours per Week:
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SCPS Student Internship Plan The Seminole County Public Schools internship program is designed to engage local employers in
the growth and development of tomorrow’s workforce. Students participating in the program
will have the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to real world
situations. The internship plan is developed between the student and employer to help outline
opportunities for the student to enhance their skills and talents to prepare them for post-
secondary opportunities. Interns should complete this form with their employer within the first
30 days of employment and prior to the first site visit. The SCPS facilitator, employer and intern
will discuss the internship plan during the site visit.
Student
1. Based on your past work experience and student involvement, identify the skills and attributes you will contribute to this experience. Provide concrete examples of what you will contribute (good communication, technical experience, industry certifications, etc.). ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain while working with the employer (computer
skills, customer service skills, etc.)? Provide at least three examples. Are there any
growth opportunities that you would like to improve on while working in the internship
(i.e. increasing people skills, becoming more confident on talking on the phone, etc.)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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3. Describe any special needs or circumstances that should be discussed to support you during this experience. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Employer
4. What skills do you hope to aid the intern in developing during their internship? Please
identify at least three and explain what method or procedure you will use to help the
intern develop these skills (i.e. mentoring, training program, etc.)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. What projects or assignments will the intern be working on and what does the work
timeline look like for these projects?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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6. How do you hope the internship will help prepare the intern for the future workplace?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. What evaluation method will you use to evaluate the intern at the end of the experience?
(Circle One) SCPS will retain a copy of the evaluation.
Company Evaluation Method SCPS Intern Final Evaluation Form
Please complete a tentative schedule for the intern.
Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Time
On average, how many hours will the intern work per week? ______________
Are there any other considerations or comments that should be added to the plan?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
Student Signature and Date: ________________________________________
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Employer Signature and Date: ________________________________________
Parent Signature and Date: ________________________________________
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SCPS Final Student Internship Evaluation Name of Intern: ______________________________________________________
Name of Supervisor: ______________________________________Phone #:__________________
Company: ___________________________________________________
Has the intern completed 136 hours of work? YES/NO
If no, please explain
_________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________
Total number of hours worked: ______________
Has the intern provided a printed timecard for you to sign? YES/NO
*Interns will not be eligible to receive credit for their experience without a signed time card showing
133 hours of completed work.
Please rank the following statements about your intern’s performance from 1 to 4, with 1 meaning has not met the expectation, 2 meaning the intern has occasionally met the expectation, 3 meaning the intern has met the expectation and 4 meaning has exceeded the expectation. Choose N/A if the statement is not applicable. Employability
Punctuality, good attendance, appropriate use of language 4 3 2 1 N/A Application of dress code or uniform requirements 4 3 2 1 N/A Shows Initiative 4 3 2 1 N/A Follow-through on tasks, reliability 4 3 2 1 N/A
Specific Job Skills and Worksite Requirements Understanding and applying safety, security and sanitation 4 3 2 1 N/A
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guidelines related to the job or industry Working courteously with colleagues 4 3 2 1 N/A Courteous interactions with customers 4 3 2 1 N/A Problem solving and negotiating 4 3 2 1 N/A Working on a deadline 4 3 2 1 N/A Producing oral business communications 4 3 2 1 N/A (phone calls, client meetings, press conferences) Writing business communications 4 3 2 1 N/A (memos, letters, emails for internal or external use) Developing community relations, consumer relations, 4 3 2 1 N/A and/or employee relations Working on a team 4 3 2 1 N/A Managing a project 4 3 2 1 N/A
Professional Growth and Ethics Analyzing and understanding an employer’s corporate goals, 4 3 2 1 N/A policies and culture Demonstrating legal and ethical behavior within the scope 4 3 2 1 N/A of the job Please list any other skills that the intern developed or learned over the course of the internship.
In which area(s) did the intern show particular strength?
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In which area(s), if any, does the intern need to improve?
______________________________________ ______________________________________ Intern’s Signature Date Employer’s Signature Date
Request for Pass/Fail Status Executive Internship 1 can be taken for a letter grade, with the corresponding GPA points, or it
can be taken pass/fail. If you wish to take this course pass/fail, you must upload this form to
eCampus within two weeks of beginning the internship. You will still be required to complete
the 133 hours required for this course along with all other required assignments and course
documentation. All assignments in the online course have a point value that will be averaged for
your final grade. A number grade lower than 60 and/or a failure to complete/document the hours
required will result in a failing grade. A passing grade will be listed as a P on the transcript and
will carry no GPA points.
This form must be turned in no later than two weeks after the start of the internship and
must be signed by the student and parent.
Student Name: _____________________________________________________
Student ID: _______________________________________________________
Student School: ____________________________________________________
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Grade: ______________ Counselor Name: ________________________
Employer: _______________________________________________________
I, ___________________________, wish to take the course, Executive
Internship 1, as pass/fail. I understand that I will receive no GPA points for
passing this course but a failing grade will count negatively towards my GPA. I
understand that I must complete 136 work hours and maintain a passing grade in
the online course to be eligible to receive a grade of pass for this course.
Student Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________ Date: _____________
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SCPS Executive Student Internship Completion Rubric Intern Name: ___________________________ Grade: _________________
3-hour online orientation eCampus course (25 pts) __________
Initial site visits within first 30 days (25 pts) __________
Internship plan (25 pts) __________
Final intern evaluation (25 pts) __________
133 hrs. of work (documentation: printed & signed time card) __________
Completion Date Total Score: ________/ 100
Skills Rubric
5 Points 10 Points 15 Points 20 Points
Communication
The intern rarely
returned employer
and facilitator phone
calls and emails
promptly and did not
use professional
communication
skills.
The intern returned
employer and
facilitator phone calls
and emails promptly
and used
professional
communication skills
some of the time.
The intern returned
employer and
facilitator phone calls
and emails promptly
and used
professional
communication skills
most of the time.
The intern returned
employer and
facilitator phone calls
and emails promptly
and used
professional
communication.
Attendance
The intern rarely
reported to work on-
time or
communicated with
their employer when
they were unable to
work. The intern did
not keep track of
The intern
occasionally
reported to work on-
time or
communicated with
their employer when
they were unable to
work. The intern
The intern often
reported to work on-
time or promptly
communicated with
their employer when
they were unable to
work. The intern
frequently kept track
The intern reported
to work on-time or
promptly
communicated with
their employer when
they were unable to
work. The intern
regularly kept track
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their hours in the
Google time card.
intermittently kept
track of their hours in
the Google time
card.
of their hours in the
Google time card.
of their hours in the
Google time card.
Professional Growth and Ethics
The intern rarely
followed all employer
rules and guidelines
while accepting
responsibility and
demonstrating
reliability.
The intern followed
all employer rules
and guidelines while
accepting
responsibility and
demonstrating
reliability some of
the time.
The intern followed
all employer rules
and guidelines while
accepting
responsibility and
demonstrating
reliability most of the
time.
The intern followed
all employer rules
and guidelines while
accepting
responsibility and
demonstrating
reliability.
Job Skills and Employability
The intern rarely
worked courteously
with colleagues,
followed directions
from their
supervisor, or
worked on improving
the skills necessary
to complete their
work.
The intern
occasionally worked
courteously with
colleagues, followed
directions from their
supervisor, or
worked on improving
the skills necessary
to complete their
work.
The intern often
worked courteously
with colleagues,
followed directions
from their
supervisor, or
worked on improving
the skills necessary
to complete their
work.
The intern worked
courteously with
colleagues, followed
directions from their
supervisor, and
worked on improving
the skills necessary
to complete their
work.
Adherence to Deadlines and Submission Dates
The intern
completed the
Online Orientation
course before
starting work and
turned in few
assignments on
time.
The intern
completed the
Online Orientation
course before
starting work and
turned in some
assignments on
time.
The intern
completed the
Online Orientation
course before
starting work and
turned in most
assignments on
time.
The intern
completed the
Online Orientation
course before
starting work and
turned in all
assignments on
time.
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Skills Rubric Total Score: ________/100
Final Internship Grade (Completion Dates + Rubric): _____/200
Letter grade: ____
