Internship Qualifications

Is this right for you?

To determine if an internship is right for you, consider the following questions...

Have you ever written a computer program in your spare time? (you know... just for fun)

This experience will challenge your programming skills. All interns start off by running through a learning program in computer engineering to understand how computers work. This program is very technical and can take 6 months to a full year to complete.

Do you enjoy learning about computers?

The purpose of an internship is to learn as much as possible about computing. After the initial learning, interns will be eligible to engage in more advanced computer tasks. An internship with a school system is geared towards learning so you must continue to engage in activities that enhance your knowledge.

Keep in mind, computing is about machines that do mathematics. Prospective interns should be comfortable with learning and doing both arithmetical and logical mathematics.

Are you willing to work?

The IT department of the Shoreline School District as well as other departments frequently have computer related tasks that come up that we assign to interns. Some tasks are mundane and some are technically challenging. These are practical work experiences that you can put on a job resume or college application to demonstrate your technical acumen.

Do you have the ability to invest the time?

Interning can be very time consuming and attendance is mandatory. All interns are expected to attend a minimum of 20 hours per month. This will be spread across after-school sessions and one Saturday session every month and one day during each week-long break. While there is flexibility as far as the specific days that are scheduled, you need to commit.

To become an new intern, students must:

Be a current student in the Shoreline School District in grades 8 thru 11 (for Summer sessions) or 9 thru 12 (for Winter session).
Have strong aptitude in math, science and/or computer science
Be currently enrolled in or have completed one of the following
- AP Computer Science A
- Running Start CS courses
- Other technical computer/programming courses

(This requirement may be waived if the student can demonstrate sufficient aptitude and/or enthusiasm towards computing programming during the interview process. Personal experience with computer programming and computer science concepts or participation in STEM classes and activities such as Robotics could serve as substitute qualifications.)

Have the time to participate and keep up with the schedule of the program (minimum 20 hours per month).
Have transportation to and from the district central office (The Shoreline Center)
Have strong aptitude with very technical concepts
Complete the application and interview process
- Initial contact e-mail with letter of interest to the coordinator. (The letter of interest should state why you are interested in becoming an intern and how you meet the stated qualifications. E-mail to david.watson@ssd412.org by the application deadline.)
- Interview with internship coordination team
- Complete entrance quiz (example questions can be found here.)

How to stay in the program

Maintain academic performance in school

(Students do not have to have straight A's but their grades must not drop overall.)

Maintain clean disciplinary record in school
Maintain an excellent attendance record within the program (minimum of 20 hours per month in attendance)
Participate in activities and perform well in learning projects
Act within the guidelines required by the Internship Code of Conduct, Safety Guidelines and School District/Departmental policies

Meeting Location

Interns meet at the Shoreline School District Information Technology Department. This is located at the district central office (next to the Shoreline Stadium near I-5 and NE 185th Street) located at:

Shoreline Center

18560 1st Ave NE

Shoreline, WA 98155

(Location on Google Maps)

The IT Department is located at the North end of the campus in building H. This can be found by going into the North parking lot entrance near the tennis courts and soccer field. The H building is at the South edge of the parking lot.

The internship program is run by the network services staff in the IT department. Interns meet in the technology learning lab and the network services office.

Note: Make sure to verify the location on the map. Many people mistakenly head to Shoreline Community College. The Shoreline Center is not associated with the college. Geographically, the complex is 10 blocks North of the Shoreline Library and about 2 blocks West of the 185th Street light rail terminal.

Schedule

Winter schedule is in effect.

Winter Session Starting December 6, 2023

Every Wednesday after school on Early Release Days only. Start time is 1:30 PM and concludes at 5:00 PM.
One Saturday every month. Start time is 9:00 AM and concludes at 4:00 PM.
A minimum of one day during each school break (Winter Break, Mid-Winter Break, Spring Break). Start time 9:00 AM and concludes at 4:00 PM.

(Students must bring lunch or have meal arrangements for the long days)

Summer 2024 applications now being accepted.

For new interns, you can find information about the Summer 2024 session here.

Flexible Schedule

After the introductory first year, students who decide to continue within the program can choose their schedule and what projects they can work on. All interns must spend a minimum of 20 hours of learning/volunteer time to retain good standing within the program. For group projects, all team members jointly decide the meeting times and the specifics of the projects they will be working on.

Interns who are up to the challenge are highly encouraged to enter into the Running Start program in Junior and/or Senior years as this can save on long-term college costs and provide students with commensurate educational experience. This also has the benefit of providing more flexibility to class schedules.

Other meeting opportunities

Interns can sign up for extra time in the electronics labs or other resources with approval from the internship coordinator. These time slots are typically scheduled on Fridays from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM or on Saturdays. (Scheduling for Saturdays require at least 2 interns to make the time commitment.)