Students get chance to experience internships through Project Interface
Lafayette’s Project Interface director Karrie Lehman poses by her room in the sophomore hallway.
September 27, 2016
Project Interface is a program in Rockwood that allows students to explore a career that they are interested in by working with an expert in the field. This Project Interface is not new to Rockwood and was introduced in 1997. The program is a great way for students to experience an internship in high school; it helps with: career decisions, an application of academic skills to the real world, and improves interpersonal skills with professionals.
Lafayette’s Project Interface instructor, Karrie Lehman, talks about the application process that students need to go through to participate in Project Interface.
“Students have to fill out a four page application, and the grade requirements are simple- students have to have a minimum of 3.0 GPA, a counselor recommendation, and two teacher recommendations.” Lehman said.
After meeting the requirements, the two directors of the program interview the applicants.
“The ladies in charge- Mrs. Tinker and Mrs. Sajben will come in and do an interview with the students. From that, they will choose who is eligible for Project Interface.” Lehman said.
Other than gaining experience, students receive a 1/2 CTE credit, A plus hours, and it’s good on a college application.
“It is good for any kind of career you’re aiming for, you actually get the hands on experience. You work with the professionals not for only a day but an extended period of time.” Lehman said.
The students are required to log a minimum requirement of 75 hours in the duration of the program, many of the students do the program over the summer because of the extensive time commitment. It is possible to do it during the school year, but a commitment is needed.
“It’s not taught in a classroom, rather that the students participating in the project interface will meet with Tinker and Sajben periodically throughout the year to update them on their progress and what they’re doing.” Lehman said.
At the end of the program, the students will conduct a final presentation detailing their experiences, and their product that they developed with the professional.
