School to Work

What is School to Work? 

Students explore a wide range of career choices through activities such as career speakers, job shadowing, and internships. Students learn what skills are necessary and what it takes to succeed in those careers. Partnerships comprised of parents, schools, and businesses work together to provide students with hands-on job experiences that complement their classroom studies. 

Freshmen Component: Career Day 

All freshmen participate in Career Day by attending an informative presentation about the direct correlation of education and income, the most popular career choices in today’s workforce, and a list of skills that employers seek in their new hires. Students also choose four careers from a list of eighteen potential jobs which they would like to learn more from people currently working in those jobs. This year, some career presenters were an electrician, police officer, marine biologist, advertisement, Marine staff-sergeant, banker, veterinarian, electrical engineer, writer, digital marketer, and cyber security expert. Then, on Career Day, students attend four chosen sessions where they listen to presentations from guests who share their expertise. Students ask questions and explore the education needed for various careers while hearing inside perspectives into four career fields. Each session is approximately 15 minutes. 

Sophomore/Junior Component: Job Shadowing Day 

Job Shadowing is a one-day educational experience that enables students to spend time in a workplace, providing an up-close look at what a “real job” is like and how the skills they learn in school can be put into action. Students take the initiative by setting up the job shadowing site. Many students shadow a parent, relative, or professional who is recommended by a friend or family member. Then, on Job Shadowing Day, students spend four to six hours at their job shadowing site. The student follows or “shadows” their host for a specified time to better understand the requirements of a particular job or career and how the student’s work in school correlates to the career field.

Senior component: BRIDGE Program 

The BRIDGE program at Ipswich High School is a six-week program at the end of the senior year.  Participants spend 30 hours per week at their worksite, gaining valuable career insight and experience.  To qualify, students must have a minimum of a 70 average in each of the first three quarters in each subject during the senior year, must have a record free of disciplinary action during their senior year, and must be on track to meet all requirements for graduation.  Completion of required courses entails a special project or paper.  For elective courses, partial course credit is awarded.  Students do not attend classes during the internship period, with the exception of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  Five elective credits are awarded upon successful completion of the internship.