The Edenton-Chowan Schools Career and Technical Education Program is looking for area professionals and businesses willing to host students for work-based learning experiences. Work Based Learning provides students with the opportunity to earn class or course credit while completing either a half day job shadowing experience (middle school students) or a semester long internship. Career Forums/Fairs, Guest Speakers, Field Trips, and CTE Business Advisory Council Members are additional avenues to develop partnerships.
The Groundhog Day Job Shadowing Event will take place on Groundhog Day each year, usually the first week in February (or closest business day if Groundhog day falls on a weekend). 8th grade students will have the opportunity to research a career of interest that is available to residents of Chowan County and the surrounding area. After completing their research, students will share their findings at a Job Shadowing Career Fair. Students successfully meeting all requirements will then be matched to a local business/employer for a 4.5 hour job shadowing experience. Transportation will be provided and an awards luncheon for both students and their sponsoring business partner will be provided. All participating students are covered by the district's Work Based Learning Insurance Policy, of which a copy of the certificate can be readily made available to all partners.
Internships are semester long opportunities for high school students to become embedded in your business and develop skills necessary to succeed within the related career path. Interns are required to log 120 hours, complete an application, resume and portfolio of their experience, and successfully complete evaluations from both school based personnel and the cooperating employer. The CTE Internship is a credit bearing course at the high school level. Students register in early spring for the following school year. Internships may be paid or unpaid-this is up to the business/employer. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the worksite. All participating students are covered by the district's Work Based Learning Insurance Policy, of which a copy of the certificate can be readily made available to all partners.
Career Forums/Fairs play a crucial role in students' career exploration by offering a platform to discover diverse career paths, gain industry insights, connect with professionals, and make informed decisions about their future education and career goals. These events help students prepare for life after graduation by exposing them to potential opportunities and helping them clarify their interests and skills.
Field Trips provide a hands-on, real-world experience that can deepen their understanding of classroom concepts, spark curiosity, expose them to new environments and cultures, and encourage critical thinking skills, all while making learning more engaging and memorable compared to traditional classroom instruction.
Guest Speakers can provide real-world perspectives on a subject, inspire future career paths by sharing personal experiences, broaden students' horizons beyond the classroom, and offer insights from experts in different fields, often making learning more engaging and relevant.
We are thankful for your support of this opportunity for our students and our community. A member of the CTE staff will follow up with all respondents to this survey to discuss next steps and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing our students and area businesses partner and grow in a manner beneficial to all in Chowan County.
