Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did the internship program begin?
A: The internship program started in August 2016.
Q: Who may apply for the internship program?
A: Juniors and seniors may apply for the SPHS Internship Program.
Q: What is the application process?
A: Students must sign up for and complete two pre-requisite workshop, the application and sign the syllabus. Once the workshops are complete, then students will apply for internships. Employers will interview and then hire the best interns for their businesses/organizations. Once students are hired, they must turn in the California Department of Education internship agreement form and liability form. During the summer, students are required to sign up for the internship course through SPEF after they have been hired.
Q: Do I have to attend the workshops?
A: Yes. Completion of both workshops is a pre-requisite to applying for the internship program.
Q: Who teaches the pre-requisite workshops?
A: Ms. Sandra Matson-Fennell, CTE teacher, SkillsUSA advisor, CTE Department Chair, teaches the pre-requisite workshops.
Q: What is covered in the pre-requisite workshops?
A: One workshop covers job and life skills. The other workshop covers how to write introductory letters and resumes and succeed in job interviews.
Q: When and where will the workshops take place?
A: Each semester, the workshops will be offered after school. Both workshops will take place at SPHS. Go to the workshops tab on this website for the next available workshops.
Q: I already have a cover letter and resume. Do I still need to attend the workshops?
A: Yes, the workshops are required to be completed before a student is eligible to apply for the internship program/course.
Q: How old do you need to be to register for the pre-requisite workshops?
A: Students need to be juniors or seniors in order to register for the pre-requisite workshops. Sophomores are allowed to register for and complete April workshops since they will be juniors by the time they will apply for internships.
Q: How do I sign up for the pre-requisite workshops?
A: Go to the workshops tab on this website to see and register for the next available workshops.
Q: How do I register for the internship program/course?
A: Students need to sign up for and complete the pre-requisite workshops. Then, students may apply for the course and the internships. Once a student interviews for and accepts an offered position, then the teacher will enroll the student for the course as an 8th period elective. Summer interns also must register for the internship program through SPEF Summer School.
Q: Where do I turn in my application packet for the internship program/course?
A: A completed packet includes the online application, signed syllabus, the California Department of Education form and a liability form. The completed forms need to be emailed to Ms. Matson-Fennell at smatsonfennell@spusd.net or submitted in hard copy to Ms. Matson-Fennell in Room 613. Summer interns also must register for the internship program through SPEF Summer School.
Q: When are the internships?
A: Internships will be offered during the fall, spring and summer semesters.
Q: May I choose my internship?
A: Students may select no more than three internships to apply for in a given semester – fall, spring and summer. If a student is hired for the internship, then he/she may select one internship per semester (maximum one internship per semester).
Q: What is involved with the internship/course?
A: Students are required to meet the objectives outlined in the course syllabus including completing the two pre-requisite workshops, completing 60 hours of an approved internship and completing all other required check-ins and evaluations.
Q: How many internships may a student complete?
A: Students are eligible to participate in the internship program beginning in summer before their junior year. The greatest number of internships a student may complete is six (junior summer, junior fall, junior spring, senior summer, senior fall, senior spring).
Q: What if I do not have an email address, may I still apply?
A: Yes, however, most notifications and communications will be submitted through email or by text message (mobile number). It is highly recommended that students set up email accounts in order to receive all important information related to the internship program and regularly check email accounts.
Q: When will I know if I am accepted?
A: Once a student interviews for the internship, the employer will notify Ms. Matson-Fennell and the student about who is selected for the internship.
Q: Does the internship program require parental approval?
A: Yes. The course syllabus, California Department of Education internship form and liability form require a parent or guardian’s signature if the student is under the age of 18.
Q: Which companies and organizations are offering internships?
A: See the list of partnering organizations and businesses on the SPHS Internship website. The organizations and businesses participating may vary depending on the time of year.
Q: What is the length of the internship program/course?
A: The SPHS Internship Program runs the length of a semester in the fall, spring and summer. Start dates will vary.
Q: Are the internships paid?
A: No. If the course and internships are completed according to the syllabus with all requirements met, then a student will receive a passing grade and will be awarded five units of high school credit (practical arts elective credit).
Q: Are the internships located in South Pasadena?
A: Most internships will be located in South Pasadena, Pasadena, Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Q: Is transportation provided for the internships?
A: Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the internships.
Q: What if I have a part-time job in the summer, may I still apply?
A: Yes. The student will work directly with the business/organization to establish the working hours of the internship.
Q: What is the role of an intern?
A: Responsibilities vary depending on the business/organization. Students should review the employers’ job descriptions to understand what their role will be.
Q: How many days or hours per week will I work?
A: Students must complete 60 hours of work throughout the course of the semester. The days and hours worked will be agreed upon by the business/organization and the student.
Q: Is an internship guaranteed?
A: No, an internship is not guaranteed. Students apply for the course and then interview for available internships. Employers will select the intern who is most qualified for the position.
Q: How do students obtain credit for the internships?
A: Students must complete all the requirements outlined in the course syllabus and complete 60 hours of work in the internship. Once the final evaluation has been completed by the student, the employer and the supervising teacher then credit will be awarded for the class. The credit will be awarded as practical arts elective credit.
Q: Will I receive a grade for the internship/course?
A: The internship will be graded as pass or fail. Students must meet all syllabus criteria in order to receive a passing grade.
Q: Are there other classes required prior to applying for the internship/course?
A: Only the two pre-requisite workshops are required before applying for the internship program/class.
Q: Does the SPHS Internship Program have an enrollment cap?
A: At this time, there is no enrollment cap.
Q: Are there job descriptions available for the internships?
A: Yes, job descriptions will be shared with program participants as they become available.
Q: What if I cannot complete the 60 hours of work within the semester?
A: If a student feels he/she will not be able to complete the work by the semester end date, then the student needs to fill out the incomplete contract and have it signed by his/her parents and Ms. Matson-Fennell. If the proper steps have been followed, then the student may be given an extension to complete the work, however, this is not guaranteed.
Q: What if I need to withdraw from the internship/course?
A: These situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Every effort should be made to complete the course within the semester in which it was started. Contact Ms. Matson-Fennell at smatsonfennell@spusd.net with additional questions.
Q: I’m a senior in high school, may I apply for an internship in the summer after I graduate?
A: Once a student graduates from SPHS, he/she is no longer eligible to participate in the SPHS Internship Program.
