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Mahomet-Seymour students describe internships in workplace-learning presentation
Summary
At the Jan. 20 board meeting, three high-school interns and their workplace learning coordinator described hands-on internships that the district says put 40+ seniors into placements; students cited networking, professional interviews and a 12-hour weekly minimum.
Jennifer Worley, the high school workplace learning coordinator, opened the Jan. 20 Mahomet-Seymour CUSD 3 Board of Education meeting with a slideshow and student testimonials about the district’s workplace learning program.
"This kind of program is a big part of our career and college readiness at the high school and junior high," Worley said, noting the district has more than 40 interns this year. She told trustees the program requires growth-mindset goals and a 12-hour weekly minimum for interns.
Three students spoke about their experiences. Adrienne Rhodes, an early graduate, said the program encouraged her networking skills and helped her build a resume and reference letter. "This experience has been about much more than just the job itself," she said, adding that a professional interview as part of the program boosted her confidence.
Isaac Bergey described an agriculture-focused placement: "They pay for all your tuition and give you a bunch of tools," he said, referring to an apprenticeship tied to a farm-store program and to work on farm equipment. Calista, who interns in kindergarten, called her mentor "an incredible role model" and said the classroom experience gave her hands-on skills she expects to use in future work.
Worley said students apply in January and counselors help match placements to career interests; the program also partners with the district’s agriculture classes and uses supervised agriculture experiences (SAEs) as a feeder into internships. Board members and parents praised the students’ professionalism during a brief Q&A.
The presentation concluded with a reminder that applications are open for next year’s senior interns and with board appreciation for administrators and teachers who support the program.
