Article provided
Columbia City High School celebrated the success of work-based learning internships and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with the annual Internship Showcase with hundreds of students and community members.
On May 29, at Columbia City High School, interns representing more than 150 internship experiences during the past school year presented their projects to Indian Springs Middle School eighth grade and Columbia City High School students, families, Whitley County Consolidated School administration, the school board, and internship mentors.
Internship students partner with area businesses and organizations to participate in intentional, meaningful, career exploration experiences. Students can be with their partnering business for a couple of weeks, a full semester, or even the full year. These intentional experiences are coordinated with the courses students have taken through the CTE program at CCHS.
Students work with WCCS Talent Development Director, Lori Heuer as well as teachers from their respective CTE programs, to determine the best experience for their future goals. “In meeting with the students, we work to find an internship opportunity that will help them navigate their future path. Students benefit from these experiences in many ways including career pathway guidance, professional networking, practical application of employability skills, and learning about future opportunities.”
During the day, 19 seniors chose to have a signing with their employers. These signings indicated future full-time employment, or part time employment while students further their education.
Signing seniors included:
- Brayden Anderson with Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters and FCI Construction
- Madilyn Gienger with Moo-Over
- Wyatt Henry with Ottenweller
- Clinton Hilton with Micropulse Inc.
- Ryker Himes with R&R Manufacturing
- Tanner Hosler with Hi-Tech Electric
- Alina Houser with Custom Home Design
- Alex Huston with Micropulse Inc.
- Karsyn Kidd with Whitley County Family YMCA
- Stephen Kneller with Ottenweller
- Makenna Lundy with Microtech Welding Corporation
- Lucas Minier with R&R Manufacturing
- Logan Osborn with Novae corporation
- Bekah Overdeer with Parkview Health Systems
- Caden Poling with Paige’s Crossing
- Allyson Schmit with Custom Home Design
- Keegan Spencer with Micropulse Inc.
- Sydney White with Three Rivers Dermatology
In addition, prior to the event, senior student Jarrett English signed his intent to continue with Steel Dynamics Structural and Rail Division through the Indiana Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (INFAME). The partnership’s purpose is to implement career pathway, apprenticeship-style educational programs that will create a pipeline of highly-skilled workers. The prestigious program accepts up to 15 applicants each year.
Students choose internships based on their interests and classes and often find their true career interests through the experiences of the program..
Businesses are invited to partner with Columbia City High School to host interns next year. Contact Lori Heuer at heuerla@wccsonline.com and learn more about our programming at wccsonline.com.