Internship Experience

During the internship, students apply and assess their leadership training and career choices in real-world settings. Intern activities include research, report preparation, client interaction, and office management. Interns learn how teams interact, that communication is critical in the workplace and that there is something to be learned in every experience. Interns gain knowledge about budget, personnel administration, client service, and project management and evaluation.

Schedule

Internships begin in September and last until the end of the semester. Up to four morning courses may be scheduled at the home school. After-school activities are not recommended.

Time Commitment

Interns work 15 hours per week at the site and attend weekly seminars at facilities throughout the county and region. Additionally, the program does not provide a stipend for transportation costs. Interns are responsible for daily transportation costs to worksites and seminars.

Requirements

Time sheets, journals, and a thesis are required. A group community service project is also conducted. Participants also learn about global leadership and citizenship.

Benefits

Interns receive 2 honors credits for participation. Additionally, the interns are able to obtain a letter of recommendation to college from the program or their site supervisor, which affords them the chance to stand apart from their high school colleagues.

Credits and Grading

All students enrolled in the Superintendent's Leadership Program will be enrolled for two honors credits. Professional evaluations are conducted by the site supervisor. Interns are provided a copy of the evaluation tool so that a work plan and objectives can be designed and accomplished. The semester grade is based on the following:

• Sponsor Evaluations (10%)
• Written Assignments (30%)
• Seminar Particiaption (30%)
• Presentations (10%)
• Group Projects (20%)

Student Accomplishments

Rachel Glasser (Springbrook HS '07) was recognized in the Best of Rockville 2006 supplement to The Gazette for her significant research and contributions to the material included in the report. 

Christina Somerville (Seneca Valley HS) is interning with Montgomery Hospice.  She designed a cooperative program with the MCPS SGA that will offer Casey House books, games, magazines and videos for patients and families.  She created a Powerpoint presentation to recruit student volunteers and donations. 

Due to increased alumni outreach by the Superintendent’s Leadership Program, letters of recommendation have resulted in two outstanding college internships for graduates.  A 2003 graduate interned at the US Embassy in Paris during the summer.  Another student was accepted for a White House internship in the Office of the President. 

Asenath Mba (Bethesda Chevy Chase HS '05) was accepted for the Immersion Program at UMCP, a program for students minoring in a foreign language. Asenath is pursing a degree in pharmacy and French. 

Rosanna Espinoza (Kennedy HS), Stephany Venero (Blake HS), and Fernando Saltiel (Walter Johnson HS) participated in a diversity panel at the MSDE Multicultural Committee. The panel, which sought student perspectives, included staff members from each Maryland school district.

Christa Kizito (Paint Branch HS '06) and Ben Kitterman (Damascus HS ’05) received the Sondheim award (a four-year full tuition scholarship).

Felipe Cocco (Walter Johnson HS '06) was the only WJ student accepted at Georgetown University on early decision.

“Students from this program are well prepared for the admissions process and the rigors of college.”

- Georgetown University

“We found that the students participating in the Leadership Program were especially competitive for our similar program at the university level…They came to college ready to create change in organizations and with an understanding of civic-mindedness.  Their internship experiences were also key in helping the students determine their courses of study and in realizing the importance of applied experiences for learning.”

- Delana Gregg, Asst. Director, Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program, UMBC