SENIOR CHALLENGE

A STUDENT’S GUIDE TO THE SENIOR CHALLENGE PROCESS

A CDC Capstone Experience

POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES

Networking

Experience

Recommendations

Professional Contacts

Expand Your Knowledge Base

STUDENT + COMMUNITY =

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE LEARNING LABORATORY—

PARTICIPATE IN CDC OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

TODAY!

F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N

Career Development Center South Burlington High School

550 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403

Voice: (802) 652-7018 FAX: (802) 652-7371

E-Mail: sbhscdc@sbschools.net Website: https://www.sbschools.net/Domain/80

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

BIG BUDDY PROGRAM

Student matched with child in an elementary/middle school. Students meet with their buddy on a regular basis. Credit can be earned.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Jobs in the community, posted on a regular basis in the CDC .

INTERNSHIP

A program designed for the individual student, in an area of special interest for a specific period of time. Credit earned.

MENTOR PROGRAM

Partnership with adult mentor. Meetings occur twice a month for career or personal support.

SENIOR CHALLENGE

A student-designed project culminating in an oral presentation and research paper. Credit is earned.

SHADOWING

On-site visit with professionals in a career field of interest.

TUTORING

Provide academic tutoring to a peer, middle, or elementary school student(s). Credit can be earned.

VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

A program designed to enhance student participation in service learning opportunities.

Senior Challenge Process C h e c k l i s t

Welcome to one of the many opportunities available through the SBHS Career Development Center (CDC). WHAT IS SENIOR CHALLENGE? Senior Challenge is an exploratory, experiential project of the student’s own design which is based on an area of particular interest to the student. The student will write a formal proposal through an application form which must be approved by the faculty advisor(s). The student will then be matched with a community mentor and spend at least 30 (on-site); 45 total project hours as a participant observer in that work setting. The project will culminate in a demonstration of the student’s learning presented to a panel composed of people from both the school and the community. (See sample list of past projects enclosed in this packet.)

WHY DO A SENIOR CHALLENGE? The Challenge is designed to allow students to explore an area of interest about which they feel passionate. The skills which need to be demonstrated through the project include oral and written communication, knowledge of the work world, risk taking, commitment, and independent inquiry. This is the culminating experience in the school-to-work experiences being developed K-12. WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF STUDENT COMMITMENT? COMMUNICATION Within the School - Submit a letter of intent to the faculty advisor/CDC Director outlining

what you want to do, when you want to do it, and what you want to have happen.

- Make an initial telephone contact to the community mentor. - Meet with faculty advisor on a timely basis. Within the Community - Meet all commitments with the community mentor. - Spend at least 30 (on-site) hours in the community based setting. - Keep a log of your experience. For the Committee - Submit a final written report on the project. - Give an oral exhibition to the Committee. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Show Responsibility - Set and achieve goals. - Evidence good employee traits. Take Risks - Have a first time community-based experience. - Introduce yourself to your community mentor. Commitment - Meet all appointments and complete the project. Excitement in Learning - Pick something you are passionate about. - Have fun with your experience. - Celebrate with your committee after your exhibition. KNOWLEDGE

Independent Inquiry - Learn something on your own. - Make your project one of a kind. Understand Real World - Learn about a work situation. Understand Topic - Spend at least 30 (on-site) hours plus an additional 15 hours in paper/presentation development.

PRIOR TO PLACEMENT:

_______ 1. Contact your Guidance Counselor and the Career Development Center (CDC) and enroll in the Senior Challenge Program. Complete the enclosed Senior Challenge Application and Waiver of Liability forms.

Note: Please outline/describe your project in detail. _______ 2. Deliver the completed forms to the CDC Director and discuss your project outline. _______ 3. Identify a community mentor who will serve on your Senior Challenge team. The community

mentor should have experience and/or expertise in your area of study. The CDC will assist you in identifying a community mentor.

_______ 4. Telephone or e-mail your community mentor and schedule an appointment: (see e-mail,

telephone or voice-mail script.) _______ 5. Prepare for the appointment: a) Plan your wardrobe—dress appropriately. b) Telephone 24 hours in advance to confirm your appointment. IF YOU CANNOT

ATTEND YOUR APPOINTMENT (e.g., sickness, unexpected activity, etc.) TELEPHONE YOUR COMMUNITY MENTOR AND LEAVE A MESSAGE THAT YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND. Please telephone the day before or at least, at the start of the school day to cancel any appointment. Leave your name, your community mentor’s name, the day/time of your appointment and if you wish to reschedule. Remember, everyone’s time is valuable so respect this opportunity. [Reminder: Do you have your community mentor’s telephone number in case of cancellation?]

_______ 6. In addition, you may contact a faculty member who will act as an additional advisor (guide)

throughout your Senior Challenge project. THE INTERVIEW

_______ 1. Bring a copy of the SBHS-CDC Senior Challenge Handbook , and a résumé.

_______ 2. Verbally outline your reasons for participating in the Senior Challenge Program. _______ 3. Ask the community mentor to serve on your Senior Challenge team. Explain why you have

selected him/her and/or their organization. ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT

______ 1. Accept a Senior Challenge placement only if you are comfortable with the arrangements. If you are not sure of some detail, than ASK! Thank your community mentor for the appointment and follow up with a thank-you note. This is true professionalism. (See Sample Thank You Note).

PHASE I:

PHASE II:

PHASE III:

HOW DO I BEGIN?

_______ 2. Commitment: You have entered into a commitment—please honor this agreement. Telephone and explain any absences PRIOR to your scheduled “work” time. People are counting on you to be responsible.

CREDIT/COMPLETION OF INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENTS:

_______ 1. Pass in a completed Activity Log to the CDC with the hours totaled at the bottom of the page including your community mentor’s signature! [30 on-site hours + 15 research hours = 45 hours total.]

_______ 2. Submit a final written report on your project. _______ 3. Present a final exhibition detailing your Senior Challenge Project. Each presentation will

take 30 minutes (20-25 minutes plus questions). Please plan your time carefully. Please remember—the Senior Challenge (1/2) credit can not be assigned until all Senior Challenge requirements (application, waiver, log, paper and oral presentation) have been met and recorded in the Career Development Center.

Congratulations on a job well done!

End note: For a listing of Fall/Spring Semester deadlines and specific course details, contact the CDC or visit the CDC website for an information sheet.

PHASE IV:

Senior Challenge - Sample List of Past Projects

Advertising, KSV Communications

Athletics Injuries, SBHS

Computer Engineering, Hallam Associates

Deep Sea Diving, Lake Champlain

Edge Page Assistant, Burlington Free Press

Entrepreneurial experiment, Pancake/Muffin:REAL

Entrepreneurs Assistant, NYC Office

Horse Stable Management, Grand Isle

Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, Chamberlain School

Long Trail Hike, State of Vermont

Pathology Department, Fletcher Allen

Pediatric Volunteer, Fletcher Allen

Personal fashion design with SBHS exhibition for college admissions application

Personal Trip, China

Pilot Support Services, Air National Guard

Science Research Assistant, UVM

Study Abroad, Chile

Taping, WCAX

Video Production, SBHS

Volunteer Experience, Indian Reservation, Montana

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

South Burlington High School

550 Dorset St

South Burlington, VT 05403

Please Print Clearly

Personal Information

Last Name

First Name

Middle Initial

Street Address

City, State

5 Digit ZIP Code

Graduation Year 2 0 __ __

Date of Birth __ __ / __ __ / __ __ __ __ Age

Contact Information Preferred Method

Home Phone ( -) - Yes / No

Mobile Phone ( -) - Yes / No

School Email Address Yes / No

Alternative Email Ad-dress

Yes / No

Please mark the appropriate days/times of your placement. Insert A or B skinny, if necessary.

Please identify which CDC placements/assignments in which you are enrolled.

Check Box Program Title Course Number Check Box Program Title Course Number

BIG BUDDY PROGRAM 0033 SENIOR CHALLENGE 0035

COALITION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE (CCS) CLUB

SHADOWING

INTERNSHIP 0032 TUTORING 0034

MENTORING VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION (VIA)

0033

Title of Student Position: Name of Agency/Placement: Agency Street Address: Agency Phone Number: ( -) - Placement Supervisor: LAST NAME FIRST NAME

SEE NEXT PAGE

M (B) T (G) W (B ) TH (G) F (B or G) Sa S

Before School

Block 1

F.A.C.E.

Block 2

Block 3A

Block 3B

Block 3C

Block 4

After School

Please circle any that apply to your placement

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Semester 1

Semester 2

Year long

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

• I agree to obtain all required signatures prior to my participation in any CDC Program(s).

• I agree to notify the agency if I am unable to attend.

• I also agree to keep a journal/log describing my project.

• I will write an evaluation when my project terminates.

Failure to complete the above mentioned steps may result in loss of program credit.

x x Student Signature Date

x x Parent/Guardian Signature Date x x Placement Supervisor Signature Date x x Guidance Counselor Signature Date

If you have any question or concerns regarding you situation or the program, contact the CDC Coordinator immediately at (802-)652-7018 or the SBHS Guidance Department at (802-)652-7060.

SENIOR CHALLENGE APPLICATION

Name_________________________________________________________________________________ Year of Graduation______________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________E-mail______________________________ PROJECT WORKING TITLE:_________________________________________________________ PROJECT: Please describe (in detail) project of study. OBJECTIVES: What do you wish to learn?

(OVER)

How do you hope to exhibit your learning? You will be responsible for keeping a log of time (days & hours) given to the project. Thirty (on-site minimum) hours are required. The student will check in with the advisor at school weekly. Name of Advisor________________________________________________________________________ When will you check in?__________________________________________________________________ Day of the Week________________________________________Period___________________________ Indicate what areas you will need help with. Finding a mentor______________________________A work site_________________________________ Person with whom you will be mentoring: Name of Mentor________________________________________________________________________ Name/Address of Company_______________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________E-mail______________________________

GET STARTED! DON’T WAIT! Application Process: 1. Read handbook 2. Complete application 3. Maintain log entries * 4. Write research paper (utilizing appropriate MLA citation format)* 5. Practice oral presentation 6. Give Formal Taped Oral Presentation * (* Due at oral presentation to CDC Director) **** NOTE: Remember to leave yourself enough time to revise your work! _________________________________________ _________________________ Student’s Signature Date

E-MAIL, TELEPHONE, OR VOICEMAIL SCRIPT

Hello, my name is ________________________. I am currently a fourth/third name second/first year student at South Burlington High School with a future eye towards

________________________. I’m very interested in setting up an interview with you to career objective discuss the possibility of a ________________________ shadowing experience/internship/ day or fall, spring or summer senior challenge/employment opportunity. I am available for an interview the weeks of

________________________, ________________________ and, if necessary, the week of month/date month/date ________________________ any afternoon after ____________ p.m. I would really month/date time appreciate an interview within the next two weeks, and no later than _____________________, day/date due to registration requirements at my high school. I will be available at this e-mail address, or

my telephone number, with voice-mail access, is ________________________. Please e-mail phone number or telephone at your convenience. Thank you for selecting a mutually convenient interview

time. Again, this is ________________________ at ________________________. name number P.S. Should I forward a _____________________________ to you prior to our interview? cover letter, resume, writing samples, handbook

Your Name

Your Address Your Telephone Number

Your E-mail Address Today’s Date (Sample: June 16, 200X) Dr. Julia Edmonds, Director Technical Design Group Atlantic Systems, Inc. 1220 Warwick Avenue Burlington, VT 05401 Dear Dr. Edmonds: I want to thank you very much for serving as my mentor during my Senior Challenge project. I enjoyed working with you and learning more about___________________. My enthusiasm for this subject and my interest in working in this area were strengthened as a result of this project. I look forward to continuing my investigation of this subject matter. I was very happy that you could attend my oral presentation. Once again, thank you for your time and effort in this project. Sincerely, (written signature) Frederick Bryan

Senior Challenge - Sample Thank You Letter

ACTIVITY LOG - Senior Challenge Project

DATE TIME COMMENTS

Total Hours:______________ Community Mentor Signature____________________________________

More copies are available at the CDC

Your Name_____________________________________________Telephone______________________

Supervisor’s Name:______________________________________ Telephone______________________

Agency Name:_________________________________________________________________________ Days/Hours/Schedule_______________________________ Location____________________________

* RETURN TO SBHS-CDC DIRECTOR

Senior Challenge Evaluation Form - Student

Your Name______________________________________Year of Graduation_______________________ Agency Name__________________________________________________________________________ Name/Title of Agency Supervisor___________________________________________________________ Meeting Schedule/Times________________________________________ Location__________________ Date Project Began __________ Ended __________ Total Hours __________

Rating Scale Poor Excellent 1 2 3 4 5 Preparation (Did you prepare ahead of time?) 1 2 3 4 5 Reliability (Did you attend when promised?) 1 2 3 4 5 Attitude (Were you always positive?) 1 2 3 4 5 Flexibility (Were you flexible?) 1 2 3 4 5 Productivity (Did you finish assignments?) 1 2 3 4 5 Aptitude (Did you learn the required skills quickly?) 1 2 3 4 5 Initiative (Did you work with little supervision?) 1 2 3 4 5 Interactions With Others 1 2 3 4 5 Work Habits (Were you professional?) 1 2 3 4 5 Maturity (Did you represent yourself well?) 1 2 3 4 5 Additional Comments: (PLEASE provide one comment regarding your performance) ________________________________________ _____________________ Student’s Signature Date

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO:

South Burlington High School * Career Development Center 550 Dorset Street * South Burlington, VT 05403

Voice: (802) 652-7018 - FAX: (802) 652-7371

E-Mail: sbhscdc@sbschools.net

Senior Challenge Evaluation Form - Agency

Student’s Name______________________________________Year of Graduation___________________ Agency Name__________________________________________________________________________ Your Name/Title (Agency Supervisor)______________________________________________________ Meeting Schedule/Times________________________________________ Location__________________ Date Project Began __________ Ended __________ Total Hours __________

Rating Scale Poor Excellent 1 2 3 4 5 Preparation (Did the student prepare ahead of time?) 1 2 3 4 5 Reliability (Did the student attend when promised?) 1 2 3 4 5 Attitude (Was the student always positive?) 1 2 3 4 5 Flexibility (Was the student flexible?) 1 2 3 4 5 Productivity (Did the student finish assignments?) 1 2 3 4 5 Aptitude (Did the student learn the skills quickly?) 1 2 3 4 5 Initiative (Did the student work with little supervision?) 1 2 3 4 5 Interactions With Others 1 2 3 4 5 Work Habits (Was the student professional?) 1 2 3 4 5 Maturity (Did the student represent him/herself well?) 1 2 3 4 5 Additional Comments: (PLEASE provide one comment regarding the student’s performance) _______________________________________ _____________________ Agency Supervisor’s Signature Date

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO:

South Burlington High School * Career Development Center

550 Dorset Street * South Burlington, VT 05403

Voice: (802) 652-7018 - FAX: (802) 652-7371 E-Mail: sbhscdc@sbschools.net