NExT Internship Program at Pacific Ridge School

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NEXT PROGRAM

2022 - 2023

HANDBOOK

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

Introduction / Program Overview Thank you for your interest in Pacific Ridge School’s NExT program. This handbook is intended as a guide for both students and potential sponsors.

At Pacific Ridge School, NExT stands for “network, experience, and training.” Our internships provide meaningful summer experiences for exceptional rising juniors and seniors, as well as graduates entering their first year of college. Participants have the opportunity to engage with the local community, start building a network of professional connections and practice the skills they need to be successful in college and beyond. Through internships and job shadows, students broaden their perspectives and gain direct work experience in an area of interest under the guidance of a mentor.

NEXT PROGRAM : 760.448.9889 • NEXT@PACIFICRIDGE.ORG

As Director of the NExT program, it is my pleasure and privilege to partner with our students, families and community members to build professional relationships and invest in our students’ futures. I look forward to working with you.

Eva Schmidt

Director of Innovation & NExT Program 760.448.9889 NEXT@pacificridge.org

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What does an academic internship look like?

An academic internship aims to provide students with a professional learning experience in which they gain new knowledge by performing tasks and completing on-the-job projects in a professional work environment. Within each organization, students are paired with a mentor whose role is to support and provide feedback to the intern.

The most valuable internships provide purposeful roles to interns that help them stay focused, motivated and learning throughout the experience.

One of the best parts about my experience was moving theory into practice. Working with donated blood cells and realizing that the smallest of errors could have significant consequences in a real lab vs. the classroom was eye opening.

Mika Ellison ‘20

Coi Pharmaceuticals, Molecular Biology

During my internship, I learned Python on my own. Python is a very common coding language that has helped me understand the technical side of how certain programs work. This skill is something I will take with me as I pursue Computer Science in college.

Anurag Aiyer ‘18

BlueFlame Energy Finance, Computer Programming

NEXT PROGRAM : 760.448.9889 • NEXT@PACIFICRIDGE.ORG

WWW.PACIFICRIDGE.ORG/ACADEMICS/NEXT-INTERNSHIPS

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Program Timeline OCTOBER

Industry sponsor deadline for commitment to participate in summer internships

JANUARY

Internship descriptions and applications made available to students

MARCH

Student application deadline for NExT interships* (and interview, if applicable)

APRIL

Internship decisions communicated by industry sponsors or NExT Director

MAY

Intern Orientation with NExT Program Director to complete necessary forms, sign the Code of Conduct, discuss professional expectations, and prepare for a purposeful summer experience

JUNE - JULY

Internships begin

AUGUST

Internships conclude; students and mentors complete exit reflections

JUNE - AUGUST

Site visits by NExT Program Director; student check-ins

*External internships and program may follow a similar flow but each have their own timeline and set of requirements. Plan carefully to stay on top of each.

NEXT PROGRAM : 760.448.9889 • NEXT@PACIFICRIDGE.ORG

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Information for Sponsors Internships vary by organization.

When designing your internship, consider the following: • What are your organization’s goals in relation to the internship program?

How will an intern contribute meaningfully within your organization?

How can your organization facilitate an interesting and rewarding experience for an intern?

• What job duties will the intern be responsible for?

Decide if there are any prerequisite skills or courses that applicants should have.

This will help us select the best candidates for your organization.

• What information or materials would you like applicants to submit? Are there age requirements for your organization?

NEXT PROGRAM : 760.448.9889 • NEXT@PACIFICRIDGE.ORG NEXT@PACIFICRIDGE.ORG

• What will your intern’s schedule look like?

Internships typically last 2-6 weeks, 4-6 hours per day.

• Who will serve as the mentor for the student during their internship?

This person should be in contact with the intern daily and should provide appropriate supervision and feedback.

• What, if any, documents or forms does your organization require prior to your intern’s arrival for work?

Pacific Ridge can provide a certificate of liability, as well as work permits and other documentation as needed. Before applying, applicants must be in good academic and community standing.

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Information for Students and Families PREREQUISITES • NExT Internships are available to rising 11th and 12th grade students, as well as graduating seniors.

• All applicants must be in good academic and community standing.

• Some internships have age or other requirements that will be listed in the job description. Read closely before applying.

• Internships with firm work schedules that cannot be modified will state this in the job description. Please do not apply for an internship if you are unsure about your summer schedule or other commitments.

APPLICATION PROCESS • Internship job descriptions become available in January and are posted on the NExT page in Veracross. An email will notify students when the application window is open.

NEXT PROGRAM : 760.448.9889 • NEXT@PACIFICRIDGE.ORG

• Students who meet the listed requirements may apply for up to three internships per academic year. Each application must be completed and submitted separately.

(See individual job description for details.)

• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Students are encouraged to give themselves plenty of time to gather and complete application materials.

• Additionally, some mentors conduct interviews as part of the application process.

If applicable, students will be contacted to coordinate their interview.

• Intern selection will be completed in April and all applicants will receive decision notifications from the NExT Program Director.

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Information for Students and Families Continued

INTERNSHIP ORIENTATION • Students selected for internships will attend a mandatory orientation with the NExt Program Director in May, prior to the start of their internship.

• During this time, students will review expectations, dress code, job details, and complete any necessary paperwork to prepare them for a successful internship experience.

SITE VISITS • During the internship, the NExT Program Director will visit each site to observe students in their workplace. This is not an evaluation, but rather an opportunity to see our students in action and check in with them about their internship experiences.

NEXT PROGRAM : 760.448.9889 • NEXT@PACIFICRIDGE.ORG

• Students and sponsors are encouraged to contact Pacific Ridge School and the NExT Program Director throughout the summer with any questions, concerns or comments about the program.

REFLECTIONS • At the close of the internship, both students and sponsors/mentors will complete a reflection on their experience to help us build on our successes and improve our programs.

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Levels of NExT Engagement

LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT

NExT offers several levels of support for students, ranging from a posted database of local internships, to custom experiences addressing a student’s particular interest.

ACCESS TO NExT RESOURCES

1

links to information about programs, internships, application details and tips/resources for finding an internship

2

EMAIL OR PHONE CONSULTATION WITH NExT DIRECTOR

3

IN-PERSON CONSULTATION WITH NExT DIRECTOR

4

REGULAR CONSULTATIONS WITH NExT DIRECTOR

application and/or interview prep

5

orientation for job prep, on-site visits from NExT Director and program follow-up

INTERNSHIP PARTICIPATION THROUGH NExT

NEXT PROGRAM : 760.448.9889 • NEXT@PACIFICRIDGE.ORG

WWW.PACIFICRIDGE.ORG/ACADEMICS/NEXT-INTERNSHIPS

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