This year, Fredonia High School had 37 students involved in the Internship Program giving them hands-on experience in what a future career may look like for them.

Both juniors and seniors can participate in this program and earn a half-credit upon successful completion. They have a chance to observe and participate in actual work, conduct interviews with employees, keep time cards, and write journal entries based on information they learned each week. They also prepare a final presentation about their career and their overall internship experience.

Some of the career fields included: personal trainer, elementary education, athletic director, tennis coach, physical therapy, chiropractor, pharmacist, school counselor, nurse, speech pathologist, cosmetologist, accountant, information technology, real estate sales, lawyer and athletic trainer to name a few.

Students feel more prepared for their next step after high school by participating in this program.

Senior Miriam LaBarr who interned during first semester with Mrs. Tomaszewski, high school special education teacher, said “Internship was one of the best scheduling choices I made in high school. It gave me hands-on experience for my future career and helped solidify that I’m choosing the right career path.”

Jameson Quinn who interns in the pharmacy at The Chautauqua Center has this to say, “I think the internship class we have here at Fredonia is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door for a job you’re interested in, and also helps you with your social skills and professionalism in the workplace.

One the our school counselors, Mr. Steven Romans says, “one of the best parts about participating in an internship as a student in high school is that it is the only true way to really understand what a job entails on a day-to-day basis. Especially for students heading off to college, it is a great way to solidify a career interest, especially before investing thousands of dollars into their education. “

Students have interests in a variety of career fields and we are always looking to add businesses and community members to our program. If you would like more information about being an Internship Mentor or if you would like information about your child enrolling in this program for next year, please contact Internship Coordinator, Laura DePue at Fredonia High School at ldepue@fcsd.wnyric.org.

Some of the business where students have interned this school year include: Darwin’s Health Club, Dr. Newburg, DC, Dunkirk School Social Studies Dept., Fredonia Business Office, Fredonia Central School (Primary, Elementary, MS, HS, Athletic Dept.), Fredonia Technology Department, Fredonia Student Services Department, Fredonia Technology Incubator, GLPP Physical Therapy, Lakeshore High School, Law Office of Sheila Hahn, Midtown Realty, Pride and Joy Daycare, Pucci Carpet One Furniture & Bedding, SUNY Fredonia Science Department, SUNY Fredonia Athletics, The Chautauqua Center, The Hair Bar and Visions of Elegance.