Partnerships with schools: Establishing internships and service-learning programs by Kathie C. Garbe, PhD, MCHES

Every fall, spring and summer thousands of college and high school students will look for an internship or service-learning experience. Students seek real-world experience, understanding of different career choices, practicum hours and letters of recommendation to get into college or graduate school, potential jobs, or opportunities to complete service projects for classes. These activities fall under the concept of experiential education, or learning through experience outside of the classroom. Through internships and service-learning programs, students hope to integrate knowledge and skills gained through academic training and apply them to a real-life situation. Organizations that work with these programs experience positive outcomes as well as mutually beneficial rewards.