Creates the empire state internship program

BILL NUMBER:S495

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to creating the empire state internship program

Purpose

This bill creates the empire state internship program with three components: workplace experiences offered by employers, supervised by a work-place mentor, carrying academic credit, offering a stipend and involving the direct application of skills learned in the classroom; final project presented orally or in writing connected with the work experience; and certificate awarded to the student upon completion of meeting internship requirements and noted on the student's transcript exemplifying their scholastic achievement.

Summary of provisions

This bill requires the Commissioner to establish the empire state internship program in coordination with public and private institutions of higher education to ensure that they are able to assess and evaluate the internship as part of an application for admissions into a post-secondary or training program. The bill further requires the Commissioner to develop procedures to distribute funds through a request for proposal submitted by each of the schools interested in participating in the program as well as prepare and distribute materials to publicize the program to students, parents, faculty and business community. The bill requires the department to provide technical assistance to schools in establishing and maintaining the school district's program and develop guidelines. The bill requires participating schools to coordinate the activities of students and employers by securing the services of a work based learning coordinator. Student career interests, academic records and faculty interviews would be considered when making internship placements.

Justification

The new set of graduation requirements adopted by the Board of Regents raises academic standards for all students but does not enhance an understanding of how academic performance is connected to the demands of the workplace. Internships provide exposure to advanced technologies and equipment not available in the classroom. Students learn about the competitive nature of job markets and what is needed to prepare themselves to make career choices.

Legislative history

2008 Referred to Education

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect September 1, 2013.