Business Internship Program

In an effort to help prepare high school students for the world of work, Roaring Fork High School (RFHS), Colorado Mountain College (CMC), and the Carbondale Chamber created a business/internship program for high school juniors and seniors.  The students will receive dual credit from RFHS and CMC for their academic courses and credit from RFHS for their internship with local employers.  It's a win-win for students and the business community!

The Bottom Line: School-to-Career helps employers improve the quality of the workforce by offering students an opportunity to learn in school and on the job. Businesses that participate provide students (and teachers and parents) with an understanding of the skills required for success in today’s workplace. By making school more relevant and exciting, we hope this initiative will help motivate young people to stay in school and do better, which may lead to rewarding employment and future learning opportunities.

• Extend the walls of classroom learning to include the community
• Provide meaning for students by narrowing the gap between theory and practice
• Allow for career awareness, exploration and preparation activities that are coordinated with
  school-based learning activities
• Provide students with opportunities for first-hand experiences in a professional work setting
• Allow students to explore career options in a particular field of work
• Use a combination of course work and part-time work

An “Introduction to Business” course was offered in the Fall 2007 term.  Students went to class from 2:10-3:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday, they worked in meaningful internships from 2:10-3:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Students and employers may make arrangements for additional work hours for pay.