Managing both school and work may seem daunting, but Analy’s new Work Experience class makes it achievable by offering high school elective credit and SRJC college credit for students’ jobs, internships, or volunteer hours. Students enrolled in the program are dual enrolled at the SRJC, enabling them to earn valuable college credits while still in high school.
At the start of the semester, students are placed in their respective roles, which can include a job, an internship, or a volunteer position. This class is embedded into the school day, with a 6th period option taught by Mr. Hamblin and a 7th period option taught by Ms. Powers. After a quick check-in with their teacher, students are free to attend their placements, gaining invaluable real-world experience during the school day.
This program is supported by a three-layered structure, where students are not only supported by the classroom teacher, but also the SRJC instructor, and the Work-Based Learning coordinator, Stacy Fortin. Ms. Fortin plays a vital role in helping students find a placement that aligns with their schedules, interests, and career goals. If a student has an existing job, that will count towards their class requirements! For others, Ms. Fortin helps them find opportunities in the community that match their interests and aspirations. “Students get to fill their toolbox with skills and gain insight into what they might want to do in the future,” she added. She takes into account the logistics such as location, schedule, and foundational skills the student has.
Not only do the students benefit from the valuable and authentic work they do, the employer also benefits from this program. “We want employers and students to have a mutually beneficial relationship and experience,” said Ms. Fortin, “The employers love to have those different layers of support and communication to help navigate workplace things.”
If you have never had a job before and don’t know where to start, contact Ms. Fortin and she can set up a meeting. Not only does she assist in finding placement for the students in the Work Experience class, but she also serves as the work-based learning coordinator for the whole school. Be open and willing to listen because she has expert advice and is here to help you. Having worked in education for 25 years, Ms. Fortin has always been interested in helping students explore and launch their careers. She finds it incredibly rewarding to be able to engage with students and find them placements that they love. Two of our other fabulous coordinators on campus also support students in the Work Experience Class. Mrs. Mickelson and Mr. Lepori can help with any aspects involving the JC and dual enrollment. Mr. Lepori is also a resource for those who need help with job searching, resumes, and much more!
For students who prefer to stay on campus, the Work Experience class offers unique internship and job opportunities right at Analy High. One standout placement is with the sports medicine program, where students have the chance to shadow athletic trainers and gain hands-on experience during sports events. These students assist with injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, providing an invaluable glimpse into the healthcare field. There are two openings for this position each semester. There are many other opportunities on campus for these types of internships!
The Work Experience class offers students a variety of opportunities to gain real-world skills and prepare for their futures. Cameryn Schiavone, who works at Mimi’s Ice Cream, balances her school responsibilities while handling tasks like scooping ice cream, working the counter, and assisting with prep work for the ice cream. Through her job, Cameryn has developed strong communication, collaboration, and time management skills. She had her job prior to joining the class, so she was able to use it to complete the JC hours!
Jordan Jones and Nicolas Mason volunteer at the Sebastopol Senior Center, where they assist with tasks like setting up a fall prevention class, helping with different jobs around the senior center, and providing tech support. The two enjoy building meaningful connections with the seniors and learning service skills, time management, and task organization. “I think that this experience will definitely help prepare me for any job that I will have after high school,” Jones shared.
Richard Varville, an intern with Artstart, is working with a team to create murals for the Sebastopol Grange. He collaborates with the nonprofit’s director, and other youth, as they design and paint art that reflects the Grange’s culture and community. Through this internship, Richard has gained team-building and organizational skills, as well as experience managing a schedule with responsibilities both in and out of school. This internship has given Richard a look into the professional side of being an artist, and he hopes to continue creating murals in the future if he can.
As part of the Work Experience program, I’m interning with the Sebastopol Police Department, where I contribute to their community engagement efforts through journalism. This placement has provided me with valuable insights into workplace culture, time management, and the importance of clear communication. It’s an incredible opportunity to develop my skills as a journalist while gaining firsthand experience in how local government functions. This internship wouldn’t have been possible without the Work Experience class, which allowed me to take the first step into the professional world while being supported through every aspect.
If you’re looking to get a taste of what you may want to do as a future career, prepare for life after high school, and engage with the community, Analy’s new Work Experience class could be perfect for you!