Summer work-based learning internships underway

MOSES LAKE- Big Bend Community College’s summer work-based learning internships are underway.

The internships are part of a larger DVR, or Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, program at the college. Other components include high school classroom visits during the academic year, where students explore colleges, trade schools and certificate programs; and a three-week summer readiness club, which focuses on post-secondary transitions.

The work-based learning component connects students who are 16-21 years of age and currently on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan with a paid internship at Big Bend, where they learn transferable job skills such as time management, workplace readiness, self-advocacy and employee-employer interaction.

Eight students are participating this summer, and have been placed in various departments on campus including the Bookstore, Student Success Center, Food Pantry, Career Services, STEM Center and Aviation Maintenance.

Students can choose to work either 40-55 hours or 75-90 hours over the course of their internship.

Participants also receive support for related skills, including learning how to navigate Grant Transit Authority bus routes to travel to and from work each day. The travel training is facilitated by People to People.

The overall goal of the program is to help students successfully make the transition from high school to the workforce.

Students arrived on campus June 18 and internships run through July 19.