Programs
Internships
In this option Students meeting qualifications specified by the Business are allowed to work on an unpaid basis with the Business to gain hands-on training and employment experience.
Job Shadowing
A job shadow gives students the opportunity to explore a career by spending time with a local business or organization. During the experience, students observe professionals in their daily work, learn about different career paths, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of what it's like to work in a specific profession or industry.
Job shadows are typically short-term experiences and are designed to help students make informed decisions about future education and career goals. While participating, students are supervised by the host business or organization rather than Columbia Public Schools staff. Students interested in scheduling a job shadow should contact their school counselor, who can help coordinate the opportunity.
Mentorships
Career mentoring connects a student with a business professional who can provide guidance, encouragement, and insight into a specific career field over time. Through regular conversations, workplace visits, or job shadowing opportunities, students learn about career pathways, workplace expectations, and the skills needed for future success.
A mentor serves as a trusted resource, helping students explore career interests, set goals, and better understand the opportunities available in a chosen profession. The host business is responsible for supervising both the student and the mentor during mentoring activities. Students interested in participating should contact their school counselor to learn more about available mentoring opportunities.
Registered Youth Apprenticeship
This is a structured, earn-and-learn career pathway that connects high school students with employers in high-demand industries. The program integrates rigorous classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training, allowing students to gain industry-recognized credentials, college credit, and real-world experience while still in high school. This opportunity is governed by and must be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Teacher Externship
In this option, the Business provides one or more teachers with paid or unpaid practical experience related to subjects taught by the teacher, in accordance with state guidelines.
Transition Work Experience
This Program Option provides workplace exposure for Students with disabilities and an opportunity to acquire work skills that support Student transition to competitive employment. This can be a paid or unpaid opportunity.
Volunteer Work-Based Learning Experience
An unpaid, structured educational experience in a community business or organization that enables students to develop workplace readiness, employability, and career exploration skills through authentic work experiences. CPS staff are present to supervise the students and to collaborate with Business employees to provide direction to the Students. For students with disabilities, reasonable accommodations and supports may be provided as needed to promote successful participation and increased independence.
Custom Options
Columbia Public Schools and Business may agree to other options not listed above, if acceptable to both parties.