MANCHESTER – Manchester Township High School’s (MTHS) Structured Learning Experience (SLE) class recently had the opportunity to gather in gratitude with their internship mentors.
This school year, MTHS seniors who were accepted into the Structured Learning Experience class had the opportunity to explore potential future career paths through a hands-on, authentic learning experience brought to them by the partnerships fostered between the community and the district.
Teachers Brianna McKiernan and Maryann Adams oversee the class and spend the first semester teaching about college and career readiness. They discuss with students their talents, skills, and desired career paths, work through developing and submitting resumes, learn how to “dress to impress,” practice interview skills, and more during their first semester.
After successfully being accepted for an internship during their second semester, students then spend their afternoons in the workplace interning.
This school year presented MTHS with the largest group of interested seniors for the SLE class. 16 students participated in the SLE program and 15 businesses from Ocean County graciously hosted Manchester’s interns.
During the SLE Gratitude Gathering, as a culmination of their semester, students invited their internship mentors to a donated, catered lunch, and gave presentations about their experience as interns. Local businesses that hosted students included: Tacohaulics, Hazelet Realty Group, Amore Boutique, Hilltop Nursery School, Ocean University Medical Center, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Hanlon’s K-9, NorthStar Veterinary Hospital, Howling Woods Farm, Community Medical Center, Trinity Rehab Physical Therapy, Joan Valentine House, Fuggi Law Firm, Peter Loffredo Law Firm, and Manchester Accounting Services.
During the presentations students discussed how they were able to apply many of the skills they have to their internships. They also learned firsthand about business and working with customers.
Interim Superintendent of Schools Diane Pedroza complimented the hard work the students and staff did this year and thanked the local businesses for letting kids see what a career is like before college.
