The Calais School Structured Learning Experience Program enables students to experience a supervised, in-depth learning experience that offers the opportunity to explore career interests within one or more Career and Technical Education clusters. This year, The Calais School has partnered with local businesses—including Sunnyfields Learning Center, Gogel Tire & Auto Repair, Loehmann’s, Petals of Pine Brook Florist, and the Marriott Hotel—to offer our students real-world work experiences through career internships.

Students have responsibilities in their career internships to follow through on commitments, adhere to workplace guidelines and procedures, and maintain the behavior, respect and social interactions expected for the workplace. Career internships are overseen by SLE Coordinator Nancy Jenkins and students are chaperoned by Calais staff. Job coach Adam Maturo had great things to say about the program and the success of our students:

“The internship experience gives students a great deal of confidence and self-esteem knowing that they can succeed in the ‘real world.’ It is remarkable to see how students rise to the occasion and take pride in their work.”

Students who participate in Structured Learning Experiences benefit from the opportunity to identify career interests, skills and abilities. Student Nathaniel B. shared how he has benefited from the program:

“I have learned about what’s expected of me in the workforce in the SLE program. I’ve learned that the skills I use in that class are skills I need to use for the rest of my life…. Without taking SLE, I don’t know how I could do anything involved with office work to get me prepared. ”

Students do not only cultivate job skills and good work habits, they also build their self-esteem and self-confidence. Job coach Jenna Del Grosso helped supervise students during child care experience internships:

“The internships helped the girls with their confidence and social skills. They also learned how to behave around younger children while making sure that the children knew they were in charge. This helped the girls learn how to teach in a fun way while staying in control of the situation.”

Structured Learning Experiences enhance the curriculum to provide students the opportunity to develop career, personal and social goals and learn the skills needed to succeed in the work force.

We are so proud of the hard work and dedication our students bring to area businesses!