Celebrating Work-Based Learning: Pathways Academy’s 1st Annual Internship Presentation Event
“I was extremely impressed with students’ presentation skills. The students were extremely confident and the content was great. Students were passionate about the work they did and that showed in their presentations and their answers to questions,” Nick Briganti, Cigna
Mr. Briganti’s feedback and reflection is a slice of the engagement that inspired students, staff, and business partners at Pathways Academy of Technology & Design First Annual Internship Presentation Event on Thursday, October 13th, 2016.
80 students, like Ozaine Cleary, pictured above, showcased their summer internships to business partners, community members, faculty, staff, and students. Professionals were welcomed with an exemplar intern presentation, a testimonial from a current Industry Advisory Board member and then heard presentations from 5 interns explaining their summer experience and how it has impacted college and career decisions. Congratulations to all the students and staff who made this event truly remarkable!
Proud Pathways Interns!
As a NAF Academy, work-based learning and training is incorporated into Pathways’ curriculum. Giving underrepresented students real-world experience exposes them to career possibilities, professionalism and opportunities they would otherwise never imagine. As a theme-based academy, internships center around opportunities in technology, design/marketing , advanced manufacturing, photography/videography and business. Many professionals offer their time to support and mentor students to prepare them for these experiences and the school depends on partnerships to advance learning and prepare internship candidates.
Pathways student senator Matt Shelto (right) presents to community and corporate representatives including Mr. Noah Ratzan from CPEP, Mrs. Sara Rubelmann from SMSA, and Mr. Curtis Porter from Betances STEM Magnet School.
The majority of interns are employed during the summer months but with expanded partnerships, Pathways continues to expand the number of experiences available during the school year. In 2015-2016, 110 Pathways interns were placed, primarily in their sophomore and junior years of study. As all of the internships are intended to be learning opportunities where students provide value to the organization, all experiences are paid (either by the organization or through private funding and grants.)
Pathways student Camry Brown answers questions from Jackson Labs’ Walter Nakonechny, Cigna’s Kevin Ryan, and American Eagle Federal Credit Union’s Chia Chen about her internship at American Eagle Federal Credit Union.
To get more involved and support work-based learning please contact Pathways Academy of Technology and Design Internship and Work-Based Learning Coordinator NiCole Schlagheck at nicole.schlagheck@hartfordschools.org.