An academic internship is a learning/practicing experience in an on- or off-campus setting during which students explore and/or apply a body of knowledge and skill in a structured non-classroom setting. It can take place in various settings and utilize many knowledge and skill areas covered in BUILD program curriculum. Internships must provide an opportunity to meet learning objectives. 

An acceptable internship is one that expects students to explore career aspirations and make a deliberate application of their academic knowledge and skills; continue to learn as stimulated by the problems and issues encountered; grow in their personal maturity and confidence in one's abilities; and develop empathy with and understanding of persons, groups, and settings. An internship is conducted under joint supervision of a BUILD Internship Supervisor and an on-site supervisor. Both parties in collaboration with the student agree on the specific objectives by the end of the first 1/3 of the term of the internship. There is on-going communication between the supervisors, job mentor, and student regarding the experience (e.g., internship daily progress form, evaluation forms, etc.). 

Job mentors work to support students in the BUILD program with job-related skills during internships. They will provide transportation to/from the job site (when necessary) and remain with the students as needed to offer on-the-job support and coaching.

Requirements for internship courses:

• Each internship credit requires a minimum of 30 on-site hours at the internship site. 
• Completion of learning objectives.
• Internships are graded S/U.

In preparation for the on- or off-campus internships, students spend their first semester engaging in BJE 012 BUILD Jobs and Employment I & BLD 018 BUILD Life at Bethel courses where they identify and explore their interests and strengths. Within the guidelines of the program requirements and with guidance from BUILD staff and parent(s)/guardian(s), students make final internship selection decisions.