November 4, 2005

The MSSD Internship Program: Gaining Job Experience While Still at School

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Others Might
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"I really feel this internship will serve as a rewarding collaboration," said supervisor Jon Carl (middle with two MSSD interns) from So Others Might Eat. "I look forward to this opportunity."

The day finally arrived that the students had been working towards—the first day of their off-campus internship. At the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD), students begin their internship experience on campus. As sophomores they work in offices within the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, and as juniors they work at various sites throughout Gallaudet University. By senior year they are ready to work off campus in a variety of government, private, and nonprofit settings throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

“Research has shown that high school work internships are a key to successful employment after graduation,” said Jandi Arboleda, MSSD transition counselor. “The internship experience provides our students with real work experiences that will impact their lives after high school.”

On their first day of off-campus employment, the excited, slightly anxious group of 68 students mingled in the school lobby. Some were headed to the National Zoo. Others were headed to work with pet groomers. Still others would work at the Library of Congress, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Labor, the Library of Congress, or the Rock Creek Horse Center. Members of the Clerc Center Transition Team matched students to teacher and staff guides who would join them on their first day, assisting with on-site communication.

Senior Kolden Dudley, on his way to work as a sales intern at Frager’s Hardware, said, “It feels good to have a job. My supervisor was impressed with my résumé. I am very motivated…I look forward to fulfilling customer requests and meeting their expectations.”

All MSSD students participate in the Internship Program. Students work every Wednesday for 24 weeks during the school year and successful completion of work experience is required annually for matriculation and graduation. The program provides a structured learning experience in which students have the opportunity to develop positive work habits, get along with supervisors and coworkers, learn about a variety of careers, and develop positive work attitudes and ethics. This type of career-based learning provides students with knowledge, skills, and experiences that support their achievement during and beyond high school.

For more information about the program contact: Allen.Talbert@gallaudet.edu.

Copyright © 2005 Gallaudet University Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
800 Florida Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002
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