ICYMI: Relationships, Pathways & Internship Program Lead to Student Success
Reported by Nashwa MekkyPanelists: Ali Finn, District Coordinator, Lake Zurich CUSD 95; Kelley Gallt, Ed.D., Superintendent, Lake Zurich CUSD 95; Ashley Weltler, Assistant Principal, Lake Zurich CUSD 95; Angela Stallion; Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Lake Zurich CUSD 95; Susie Wagner, Director of Innovation, Lake Zurich CUSD 95
Lake Zurich High School is creating learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom. Students in grades 10-12 are invited to apply for internships to gain authentic, real-world experiences and explore career opportunities. These career exploration opportunities promote profound engagement and knowledge and help to inform future college and career decisions. They also establish strong partnerships between the school district and community businesses and organizations.
The program uses a lens of equity to place every student seeking an internship with a community partner. These internships give students valuable access and opportunities to break into the job of their dreams. To obtain these pathway endorsements, students must work a predetermined number of hours. While most internships are not paid, some do provide modest stipends. These community partners also have the option to donate to a foundation that provides funding to students in the program. Some community partnerships are tapped for internship programs, including the Tech Campus, Community Boards, foundations, and local and small businesses.
The school has made gains in increasing the number of high school graduates prepared for postsecondary education and careers. As part of the Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act and ISBE Career Pathway Endorsement (CCPE), students can build essential workforce competencies and earn credentials and opportunities for valuable early college credit. Another result of programs like the Pathways and Internship programs, Lake Zurich CUSD 95 has seen measurable improvements in the numbers of students needing remedial coursework in college.
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Public Act 102-0917 in May 2022. This act provides dual-credit coursework that is approved for high school students. Northern Illinois University is one such partner that endorses teachers at Lake Zurich High School with a master’s degree or higher in the core content area they teach. Students are able to then secure dual credit when taking courses by the endorsed teachers. Additionally, Lake Zurich High School is involved with Illinois P-20 which coordinates the efforts among school districts, postsecondary education institutions, employers, and other public and private organizations to address key barriers to the successful transition of Illinois high school students into college and careers.
The Pathways and Internship program at Lake Zurich High School has been a model for the community to provide their students with essential career pathways, dual credit, and internship opportunities. Lake Zurich High School’s intentional work has gained support from its stakeholders. The district office’s collaboration with the community, colleges, and universities provides real-life opportunities for their students that truly provide them with skills and career readiness that set them apart from other high schools. The Pathways and Internship program has been so successful that the team is are reaching out to students in eighth grade to build relationships and create future pathways.
Nashwa Mekky is Chief People, Equity, and Culture Officer for the Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora and was a participant in the Educational Administrator Internship program at the 2022 Joint Annual Conference.