SW Washington Opportunity Internship Program

Student Expectations

Opportunity Internship Program (OIP)
The goal of OIP is to provide low-income high school students work experience in a field of their interest, and to encourage them to pursue post secondary education in a related field. The OIP achieves this by partnering with employers to provide a minimum of 90-hour internships for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors in high demand careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics (STEM). Students who successfully complete the internship will receive a $450 stipend and scholarship for post-secondary education expenses.

Students eligible for the OIP

• Are at least 16 years old and a sophomore, junior, or senior in high school
• Qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program
• Interested in pursuing post-secondary enrollment for training in a STEM career
• Have demonstrated work-readiness skills (such as punctuality, commitment, responsibility)

Student Expectations Prior to Internship:

• Complete all required program application paperwork in a timely manner
• Work with the STEM Coach and school staff to develop a career learning plan that includes internship and post-secondary objectives and plans
• Complete a Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) within 30 days of program enrollment
• Participate in required work readiness training activities which will include: cover letter and resume writing, interviewing skills, on-the-job expectations, employee rights and responsibilities, communication and issue resolution, and other topics as identified by STEM Coach and district staff
• Prepare and submit a resume and cover letter to apply for an internship
• Interview with employers to secure an internship

During the Internship:

• Attend company orientation and company tour
• Perform tasks as described in position description and assigned by supervisor
• Meet monthly with STEM coach to discuss experience and progress on career learning plan
• Complete required documentation

Post-Internship:

• Participate in post-program evaluation
• Write thank-you letter to company/supervisor
• Continue to work with STEM coach towards career plan objectives

For more information or to apply, contact:
Suzie Downs at suzie.downs@camas.wednet.edu or
or Linda Barnes at linda.barnes@camas.wednet.