Work Experience
Work experience combines classroom instruction with paid, part-time student employment. Students work a minimum of 3 hours per week and meet with a Work Experience coordinator on scheduled dates, usually once a week.
Students in their junior and senior years of high school may enroll. Students may find employment on their own or request assistance from the coordinator (although employment cannot be guaranteed). Work Experience qualifies for Career Technical Education and/or Elective credits towards the graduation requirements.
Businesses participating in the work experience program must establish an employer-employee relationship with students and comply with labor laws and regulations concerning Workers' Compensation Insurance, Social Security, and income taxes.
Exploratory Experience
Exploratory Experience is an unpaid, off-campus course that offers students at any grade level the opportunity to explore specific career interests through direct observation and hands-on experience. Students work/volunteer/intern (unpaid) a minimum of 3 hours per week and meet with a Work Experience coordinator on scheduled dates, usually once a week.
Professionals or individuals with established expertise mentor students in the workplace. Students also meet regularly with the Work Experience coordinator for related instruction.
Placement is limited to opportunities that are developed through PAUSD and excludes community organizations such as clubs, private lessons, and non-career focused service. Students may enroll for the Exploratory Experience course after they have met with the school coordinator and a suitable post is located. Class time is arranged by the coordinator. Exploratory Experience qualifies for Career Technical Education and/or Elective credits towards the graduation requirement.
Hours worked interning/volunteering can also be applied towards the Presidential Service Award.
Work Experience Program at Lockheed Martin
The application for the 2020-2021 year is closed. Students will be notified of the status of their applications in April.
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
The Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Solar and Astrophysics Center has been collaborating for over 30 years with our district to provide a Science Work Experience Program in a research environment. The Work Experience Program at Lockheed Martin is open to PAUSD students only.
