As part of The Calais School Work Based Learning program, high school and 12 plus students get the chance to explore possible career paths through on-site internships at over 15 local businesses. 

During Work Based Learning (WBL) internships, students gain hands-on training in real work environments, as well as, a chance to develop transferable skills important for success as they transition to adulthood. Work Based Learning internships help students build their resumes, explore career paths, and develop workplace readiness skills. 

The Calais School maintains a growing portfolio of local business partnerships to offer students a variety of internship experiences. Each month, we feature one of our local partners. This month is The Parsippany Library, Calais’ first internship that has stood the test of time…

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Today’s library patrons have access to an overwhelming amount of content available in a variety of formats including: hard copy, ebooks, audiobooks, DVDs, archives, databases, online classes, creative services and so much more. In fact, at The Parsippany Library at 449 Halsey Road, you can print a poster, get a document notarized, and leave with a free pack of seeds to start your own garden. 

In their 38,000 sq. ft, state-of-the-art facility, The Parsippany Library boasts a spacious meeting space, study rooms, a technology lab and many resources and programs available to community residents. You may be wondering, who is responsible for keeping the library running like a well-oiled machine? The Calais School is proud to say that our student interns are a part of the amazing team of professionals who track, manage, organize and orchestrate the day-to-day activities at The Parsippany Library. 

“We have enjoyed working with the students and getting to know them over the years. The students have sent us many thoughtful and heartfelt letters that express how rewarding and enjoyable the experience was… It’s been a mutually beneficial experience for the library and the Calais School students alike!”  explained Melissa Kuzma, The Parsippany Library Director. 

Our student interns play an integral role in supporting the library staff in various capacities. Aside from library-specific assignments, Calais students are also learning general transferable skills relating to organization, how to take direction, time management, customer service, communication and collaboration. 

“We hope to give the students confidence and teach them how to work independently by providing a positive work experience.” commented Kuzma.

For many Calais student interns working there, the library is their happy place. The quiet, peaceful environment allows students to focus and learn while working on a range of projects. For instance, they prepare “pick lists”, a list of reading materials requested online by library patrons. Once the request is made, students locate the books/materials and prepare them for pickup. There are also longer-term projects students work on at the library such as organizing books for donation and updating/maintaining the DVDS system. The long-term project component helps students plan, collaborate, and manage deadlines.

Check in for next month’s featured business partnership or read our past blogs to learn more about partnerships already covered.

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If you are a local business owner or store manager interested in helping students with disabilities prepare for their future, please consider partnering with The Calais School. To learn more, you can contact Vincent Femia, Work Based Learning Coordinator, at 973-884-2030 ext. 356.