STEM Internship Program Emily Smith, Internship Specialist This publication was developed with the support of a Hispanic Serving Institution STEM & Articulation program from the U.S. Department of Education

Our Goal: To connect Allan Hancock College STEM students with employers to provide real world work experiences and to participate in the National goal of increasing success and persistence rate of STEM students by 10%. Building a STEM Internship Program

What is STEM? STEM stands for a cluster of careers in the fields of: * Science * Technology * Engineering * Mathematics

STEM at Allan Hancock College Academic Programs ● Ag-science, Animal Science, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Enology/Viticulture, Geology, Physics ● Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science ● Manufacturing, Robotics, Mechatronics (CTE)

An Internship: Is a time-limited experience that can range from one month to one year, but usually lasts about three months. Includes an intentional “learning plan” that is structured into the experience. Promotes academic, career and/or personal development. Typically includes learning objectives, observations, reflections, evaluation and assessment. Balances the intern’s learning goals with the specific work the organization needs completed. May be part-time or full-time. Has an existing employee working in the department/position to mentor and supervise the intern.

Why Offer an Internship Rising labor costs Gaining fresh perspectives Discover future business leaders Helping to increase Persistence Rates of students seeking undergraduate degrees STEM students are more likely to persevere in their field of study, after participating in an internship A year round source of highly motivated pre-professionals College students are qualified candidates that can fill both entry-level and special skills set needs Interns can help with projects and reduce workload A flexible, cost-effective work force that does not require a long-term employment commitment Provide freedom for professional staff to pursue creative or more advanced projects A proven, cost-effective way to recruit and evaluate potential employees

Recruiting and Hiring Your Intern AHC does the Recruiting! Career Fairs Faculty Referrals Online Job Postings Postings in Print Announcements via social media You do the Hiring! Evaluating resumes and applications What to consider The Interview process The rejection We Want You!

Actions, Activities & Endeavors Developed recruitment material, attended community events, task force meetings, mixer and local Rotary meetings Wrote an “Employer Guide to Internships” Developed a fall and spring semester series of Soft Skill Workshops for our AHC Students Created a “Hub” for obtaining STEM internship information and assistance Held our first-ever STEM Career Fair in March Created a Website Providing students information and opportunities for Philanthropy Connecting students to Research and University Internships Dedicated counseling and advising Free Tutoring

Opportunities to Participate Be a guest speaker/presenter at one of our professional workshops Assist students with resume and portfolio development Participate in Mock Interviews Provide input and support for our developing program Consider hiring 1 or more Allan Hancock students as interns Help us spread the word!

Thank You! Emily Smith (805) ext