Our high schools must prepare our youth for the new millennium by infusing college, career, and citizenship into their daily curriculum. Our schools should not be insulated from the outside world, but should utilize its many resources to accomplish our goals. Every school must become a diversified learning laboratory where students can acquire a broad knowledge and specific capabilities, and an understanding of the world of work.

All Americans, and certainly all young people, need to know how to learn and experiment; solve problems and collaborate; discover patterns and meaning; understand causes and consequences; and be adept at adapting. We can no longer present students with a few academic options heading to just a few destinations. We need many possibilities headed in all directions. America must have high-level academic and technical training, thus, students need to see knowledge as it is applied in the real world. Supplementing academic with on-site career education must become a priority for all schools to ensure success for all students.

Rancho’s Internship Program possesses the following characteristics:

   • is identifiable but integrated with other programs in the school
   • enhances the career development, knowledge, skills, and abilities of all students by establishing program standards
   • supports delivery of the program through qualified leadership; effective management; and, adequate facilities, materials, and financial resources
   • is held accountable through a yearly evaluative process that is based on the program’s effectiveness in supporting secondary and post secondary student achievement
   • utilizes community/employer involvement to enhance academic education
   • meets Applied Learning Standards and Content and Performance Standards for California

   • Junior Exhibition Score of 12 (out of 15) or better
career research, resume, cover letter, job application, oral presentation
   • Application and Parent Permission
   • Three Adult Recommendations
   • Coordinator Review Process
check attendance, discipline file, GPA (2.5 or higher)
   • Coordinator Interview
   • Employer Interview(s)
   • Placement

BUSINESS	Interns choosing this path will select from areas such as accounting, banking, finance, business administration, entrepreneurship, real estate, fashion design, interior design, chef, catering and hotel management. Partners include: Merrill-Lynch, Washington Mutual, Providers Financial, Edward Jones, Jackson Hewitt, Smith Barney, BioFilm Inc., The Gemological Institute, Coldwell Banker, Pan Pacific Retail Properties, Windsor Capital, North County Plumbing, United Realty & Mortgage, Associate Real Estate, Aspire, Design Source Gallery, Dimension One Spas, Directed Electronics, City of Vista, Fantail Designs, Design Alliance, No Fear, Tucci Boutique, Elegance Talent Agency, Shadowridge Country Club, The Holiday Inn (Carlsbad), La Quinta (Vista), La Costa Resort & Spa, Piancone Bakery & Deli and Top of the Bagel Bakery
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY	For interns pursuing a career in computer programming, software development, web page development, networking, systems administrator, or computer hardware. Partners include: CompuSource, BioFilm Inc. and Tri-City Medical Center
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS	Interns currently enjoy opportunities in art, graphic design, music composition, theater and dance. Partners include: Logo Expressions, Shadowridge Dance Center, Carlsbad Dance Centre, Oceanside Dance Academy, California Ballet Company, Moonlight Amphitheater/Avo Playhouse and Welk Theatre
LAW	Interns interested in pursing a career in the law will intern in law offices under the mentorship of legal secretaries, paralegals, and lawyers. Students will perform office assignments and attend court proceedings. Partners include the law offices of: Charlene Barron, Robert Bennett, Kathryn Cooney, James Hagar, Paula Kleinman, North County Law Firm, David Rawson, San Diego District Attorney, Herbert Weston, and Winifred Whitaker
PUBLIC / SOCIAL SERVICES	This wide-ranging pathway is designed to prepare interns for work in social services, education, government, law enforcement, and fire science. Partners Include: San Diego County Health and Human Services, California State University/San Marcos (Psychology Dept.), All Saints Preschool, and Little Bears Angels Preschool, Breeze Hill, Casita, Crestview, Lake, Grapevine, Magnolia, Monte Vista, Madison, Washington, RBV, VAPA, Vista Boys & Girls Club, The Offices of Congressman Darryl Issa and Assemblyman Mark Wyland, the California Highway Patrol, Carlsbad Police Department, The Vista, Escondido, and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Departments, Orion Aviation and the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.
MARINE SCIENCE / VETERINARY SCIENCE	For interns pursuing a career in marine science, animal science, or animal behavior. Partners include: Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Escondido/North County SPCA, The Helen Woodward Equine Hospital, The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Rawhide Ranch and The Banfield, Melrose, Monachy, Palomar, Shadowridge and Tri-City Animal Hospitals
HEALTH / MEDICINE	Opportunities in health-related career fields include mentoring by doctors, nurses, therapists, physician assistants, physical therapists, chiropractors, optometrists, dentists and dental hygienists, and audiologists. Partners Include: Tri-City Medical Center, Palomar & Pomerado Hospitals, Mission Mesa Pediatrics, CVS Pharmacy, Vista Community Clinic, Kaiser, North County Health Services, Chapman Chiropractic, Fitness Together, Athlete’s Edge, Shadowridge Family Vision Center, Shadowridge Medical Group, and the offices of doctors: Kevin Chalk, Daniel Guidera, Ken Lay, Sue Leithen, Karen Peschke, Alexander Sabet and John Vuu
TECHNOLOGY	Interns in: architecture, engineering, graphic design or animation, contracting/construction, automotive technology, and biotechnology. Partners include: 4-Design Architecture, Marca Architecture Group, Groth Architects Inc., City of Vista Engineering, Maser Mechanical Inc., DDH Enterprises Inc., B/E Aerospace Inc., FCI Constructor’s Inc., Logo Expressions, Certified Folder Display Service Inc., Glass Wall Systems, North County Ford, Vista Irrigation District, Weston Solutions, and Quorex Pharmaceuticals
JOURNALISM / COMMUNICATION	Interns in broadcast and print journalism, communication, advertising, marketing, and public relations. Partners include: Adelphia Communications, Vista View Magazine, North County Times, Camp Pendleton, Coast News Group, Competitor Magazine, KPRI Radio, KOCT Television, Trans World Media, Hour Glass Magazine, Kassebaum Photography, NTN Communications/Buzztime Communications, Vista Chamber of Commerce, Outreach, Elegance Talent Agency, Vista Townsite Partnership, Planet Earth, Garden Fresh Corp., HDOS Enterprises, City of Escondido, Jostens, Hofman Planning Associates, Shadowridge Country Club and Vista Special Olympics

Applied Learning Standards: a process of applying one or more subject matter content areas with authentic (community, career) learning experiences. Applied learning provides experiences in the problem solving process; the manipulative use of tools, equipment, materials, and related techniques; personal skills; occupational awareness and safety; and employment literacy. It relates directly to content and performance standards for all subjects.

   • Standard 1: Students will understand how to solve problems through a project design process. Students design a product, service, or system to meet an identified need.

   • Standard 2: Students will understand how to solve problems through planning and organization. Students will plan and organize an activity.

   • Standard 3: Students will understand how to solve problems through teaching and learning. Students will develop and implement a teaching-learning program.

   • Standard 4: Students will understand how to solve problems through meeting client needs. Students will conduct a commissioned project.

   • Standard 5: Students will understand how to solve problems through improving a system. Students will devise and test ways of improving the effectiveness of a system.

   • Standard 6: Students will understand how to apply communication skills and techniques. Students will demonstrate ability to communicate orally and in writing.

   • Standard 7: Students will understand information technology tools and techniques. Students will use information technology to collect, analyze, organize, and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

   • Standard 8: Students will understand the importance of teamwork. Students will work on teams to achieve project objectives.

   • Standard 9: Students will understand personal skill development and its impact on their employability and success. Students will exhibit self-confidence, honesty, perseverance, self-discipline, and personal hygiene.

   • Standard 10: Students will be aware of safety considerations in the workplace and classroom. Students will use tools and operate equipment following established safety procedures.

   • Standard 11: Students will understand career paths and strategies for obtaining employment within their chosen field. Students will select and participate in a career path and assume responsibility for professional growth.