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Rockport launches Capstone internship program; senior internships to begin April 7
Summary
Rockport High’s new Capstone includes senior internships (30 hours/week for six weeks beginning April 7), job-shadow days on Jan. 27, and expanded career education; staff flagged transportation, equity and background checks as implementation issues.
Eric Vent, a Rockport teacher leading the Capstone program, told the School Committee the revamped initiative combines senior internships, job-shadow days and broader career-education work across grades. "The senior internships are available to all 12th grade students who are in good academic standing," Vent said, describing internships as 30 hours per week for six weeks, with a planned start on April 7.
Vent said students must submit an internship proposal that he reviews; site supervisors will provide evaluations and he will make site visits. Seniors will keep weekly logs and present their work to the community after the six weeks. Job-shadow days, open to 11th and 12th graders, are scheduled for Jan. 27 to give younger students a taste of a workplace and to help juniors decide on future internships.
Vent described alternative options for students with heavy academic loads (AP classes, dual enrollment), including shorter internships or project-based alternatives. He reported strong interest from the class of 2025 ("92%" in a small cohort of roughly 39–40 students). He also outlined equity and logistics concerns: background checks for site supervisors, student access if they lack personal transportation, and food service for students who rely on school meals.
Committee members asked about employer reception (Vent described a roughly 50–50 split among businesses contacted), transportation options (use of Rockport minibuses), and whether the program will become a graduation requirement (Vent said that decision is "above my pay grade"). Vent said the program coordinator will work with guidance and HR to address criminal-record checks and to document site-supervisor responsibilities.
The committee encouraged staff to continue recruiting partnerships, ensure equitable access and consider public presentations of student work. Next implementation steps include finalizing partnerships, confirming logistics for transportation and nutrition, and collecting student proposals ahead of spring placement.
