SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (December 14, 2023) – There is more to preparing students for the future than what takes place in the classroom, and Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is making that happen for high school students in two new ways. Both offer students opportunities to explore possible careers while at the same time contributing to the community’s economy and social well-being.

Part of the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, SUSD’s new Work-Based Learning (WBL) program provides internship opportunities that seamlessly integrate classroom learning with real-world, practical work experience through local employers. Under the guidance of experienced mentors or supervisors, students intern in professional settings, allowing them to apply what they learn in school and develop valuable workplace skills. They also get to experience what it is like to work in a field they may be interested in joining in the future.

Dave White teaches business and finance classes at SUSD’s Chaparral High School and is the district’s WBL Coordinator. "The goal of work-based learning is to provide SUSD CTE students with a holistic learning experience that prepares them for the demands of the workplace, enhances their career prospects, and facilitates their personal and professional growth.”

White says WBL is a win-win for all involved. “It benefits both students and employers by providing practical skills development, career exploration, networking opportunities, and enhanced employability for students, while offering access to talent, fresh perspectives, cost-effective recruitment, and training opportunities for employers."

SUSD’s WBL internships cover a wide range of fields, including Business, Finance, Software Development and Coding, Information Technology, Film and TV, Nursing, Sports Medicine, Biotechnology, Criminal Justice, Culinary, Hospitality, Engineering, Technical Theatre, Graphic Design, Audio Production, and Marketing. If your business is interested in developing a WBL internship with SUSD, please reach out to White at dwhite@susd.org.

SUSD is also excited to announce its new Community Volunteering class, a pioneering initiative that empowers high school students to earn academic credit for their contributions to the work of reputable local community organizations.

Through the class, students not only accumulate volunteer hours but also have the chance to nurture a genuine passion for community service. The Community Volunteering class is designed to empower students to explore their personal interests, be philanthropic with their time outside of school, and discover how these passions can be channeled into future career choices. Going beyond traditional academics, students are engaged in gaining valuable life experiences that create a sense of empathy and responsibility to their community that will serve them well, no matter what professional path they pursue.

Community organizations wishing to provide SUSD students with volunteer-for-credit opportunities may contact Tarnisha Tilson at ttilson@susd.org.

Both new programs build on SUSD's commitment to create and nurture the next generation of future leaders – leaders who not only excel in their chosen careers but also are dedicated to being active participants in their communities.

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About the Scottsdale Unified School District With more than 21,000 students in 30 schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for 127 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, Twitter: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.