School-to-Work (STW) is an internship program for seniors that places emphasis on professional skills and adding value to our business partners. Students work exclusively at one employer. In the fall, students prepare by taking a career development course and work at the employer for two blocks per day during the spring semester.
Course Offerings & Credits
Students take this class and receive Dual Credit from DMACC for 9 credits in addition to the credit awarded from Waukee Community School District.
- School-to-Work Class: DMACC WBL 110 Career Development Skills
- 1 Term
- Prerequisites: None
- Covers all aspects of professional job placement procedures including career goal setting, developing prospective employer lists, resume writing, job application forms, employment tests, personal appearance, interviewing, and follow-up.
- School-to-Work Internship: DMACC ADM 936 Occupational Experiences
- 3 Terms (2 blocks each term recommended)
- 2 Terms (2 blocks required)
- Prerequisite: Application is made during the junior year.
Students receive credit and a grade for each block of work completed in the School-to-Work internship. Students choosing the internship opportunity must apply in the spring of their junior year and complete all paperwork by the determined deadline.
Acceptance into Program
Acceptance into the School-to-Work program is conditional upon:
- Recommendations from three WHS teachers.
- A record of excellent attendance during the junior year.
- Demonstration of good citizenship – as recorded in the Counselor’s office.
- A history of quality academic performance and support relative to the student’s career interests.
- Students interested in architecture should have taken or be enrolled in CAD.
- Students interested in medical careers should have adequate preparation in science and have completed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training.*
- Students interested in education should take Psychology and Child Development.
- Available space in the student’s senior schedule.
- Internship availability.
- Interns must provide their own transportation and may need to supply workplace appropriate attire.
- Employers may require drug tests, health screenings, background checks, and credit examinations. Failure to pass drug tests, dishonest actions, poor attendance, or questionable behavior would result in the student being removed from School-to-Work.
*Waukee Community Schools will provide payment for such opportunities if taken during the academic school calendar year.
Business Partners
Businesses interested in partnering with the School-to-Work internship program at Waukee Community School District should contact Mindi Heitland at 515.987.5163 x2402 or mheitland@waukeeschools.org.
Opportunities to Partner:
- Job shadows
- Classroom speakers
- Unpaid internships
- Paid internships
EQUITY STATEMENT: Waukee’s School-to-Work program is available to all senior students in good standing, and will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, gender, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Students in the School-to-Work program are encouraged to succeed based on their own abilities.
