Little Miami highlights growth of career experiences program and plans for more internships
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Summary
Superintendent and staff described an expanded career experiences program that placed hundreds of students in job shadows, internships and apprenticeships and aims to expand placements next year; the board heard outcomes and supporting partnerships.
Superintendent Bobby told the Little Miami Local Board of Education on May 20 that the district revamped its Career Experiences program this school year and placed hundreds of students in structured career activities, internships and apprenticeships.
The program, the superintendent said, now operates on three tracks — internships, apprenticeships and a career-quest program — and uses a consultant to connect students with employers. “We have over 500 opportunities listed,” Bobby said, and he credited teacher Christy O'Neil and consultant Riley O'Grady for building employer relationships.
Bobby said this year 514 students participated in some fashion — from job shadows and career speakers to semester-long internships — and that 27 students completed internships or apprenticeships this year. He said 28 placements are already set for next year and staff estimate the program could place about 80 students next school year.
Board members and the superintendent described examples of how internships help students refine career choices. Bobby said one former student who interned in physical therapy later changed majors after experiencing the work firsthand — an outcome he called valuable because it saved time and resources.
The board also discussed that some internships and apprenticeships are paid while others are not, and that the district offers targeted support for students with no postsecondary plans to connect them with work opportunities. No formal vote was required; the board received the update as information and thanked staff and partners for their work.
Ending: Staff said they will continue outreach to employers and bring participation updates to the board as placements for the 2025–26 school year firm up.
