1. To provide qualified college students with supervised, work-based learning experiences through on-the-job work experience related to their CTE field of study or major. 
2. To make available a variety of occupational experiences designed to assist interns in determining the professional fields for which they may be suited.
3. To provide learning and employment opportunities for qualified interns regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability, veteran status, age, or national origin.
4. To establish and strengthen the relationship between the company and the college in order to ensure mutual reinforcement between college curricula and the world of work.  

To be eligible for consideration for the program, an applicant must:

1. Complete and submit a program application packet consisting of the application, resume, transcript release, instructor recommendation, and the Internship Applicant’s Agreement (Appendix A)
2. Have a declared major in a field for which the student is applying for an internship.
3. Have and Maintain an overall 2.75 GPA 
4. Have completed at least one section of Math coursework with a grade of “C” or higher.
5. Have completed at least one mini-semester in a Technical Education Program relevant to the industry hosting the internship.
6. Have an attendance record of 95% or higher.
7. Continue in the Program and maintain a full schedule of classes as prescribed in the curriculum success guide for the Technical Education Program they are enrolled in.
8. Be a minimum of 18 years old.
9. Be eligible for employment in the United States.
10. Adhere to company-specific personnel policies including those regarding time and attendance. As appropriate.

1. Each work experience shall be planned consistent and aligned as closely as possible with the intern’s related instruction and career goals.
2. While enrolled, Interns are expected on average to work a minimum of 20 hours a week and a MAXIMUM of 28 hours a week and simultaneously enroll in the prescribed coursework as outlined in the Program curriculum success guide, Minimum credit hours would depend on term; range 12 to 17 credit hours. 

Exceptions to the work schedules of 20 minimum and 28 maximum hours will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions may include the College’s semester breaks.  

Either the Company or the intern will make request to the College’s Internship Coordinator or College Contact for exceptions.  Interns work schedules will follow Company guidelines and SHOULD NOT interfere with the intern’s academic/related instruction schedule.  Work schedules will be as scheduled with no overtime. 

All selections will be conducted at the beginning of each semester. Applications submitted after the selection period will be considered for the following semester.

1. The College and Company Partner will identify and recommend eligible applicants to the for consideration. Reference Appendix C for the selection, hiring, and on-board process.
2. The Company’s Internship Selection Committee will make the final decision on hires. The Company’s committee will consist of: (suggested) HR Representative, and other appointed members as deemed appropriate.
3. Students/Applicants selected for entrance into the program may be required to undergo Company’s standard pre-employment selection procedures, including a pre-employment health assessment, drug screen, criminal background check, etc. Interns must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to complete the I-9 verification process before beginning work at Company (or as set by Company).

1. Interns shall be paid in accordance with the company’s established pay schedule.
2. Interns will be paid at a starting rate determined by their company.
3. Interns shall be eligible for a wage progression after successfully maintaining academic progression and positive on the job training performance appraisals at the end of the second consecutive term in the program not to exceed fifty cents per hour.

One example of a wage progression:

• • Term Two (2) $12.50/hr.
  • Term Three (3) $13.00/hr.
  • Term Four (4) $13.50/hr.
  • Term Five (5) $14.00/hr.

Interns are considered part-time employees and not eligible for any Company benefits (e.g., vacation, health insurance, holidays, 401k, etc.).

1. At mid-term and at the end of each semester, the supervisor for the Intern will complete a Supervisor’s Evaluation/Grade Sheet (Appendix D). The supervisor, instructor (or designee), and the Intern will review the evaluation and discuss behaviors to continue and areas of improvement.
2. If the Intern’s academic/related instruction or job performance falls below standards, he/she may be given an opportunity to improve or will be separated from the Program.

While working at the company, Interns are at will employees. Appointments to the program and employment may be terminated at any time for any reason by the Intern or the Company, including, but not limited to, the following reasons:

1. Resignation
2. Change to a curriculum or program of study that will not qualify the Intern for the position. Failure to follow the coursework in the prescribed curriculum guide without written approval from the college and the company.
3. Suspension, expulsion, or withdrawal from the College
4. Unsatisfactory work performance and /or conduct
5. Failure to maintain academic standards
6. Failure to comply with Company policies and procedures
7. Inability of the Company to continue in the Program

Note: The appointment may also be terminated if the underlying agreement is terminated by either the Company or the College.

1. Adhere to company work schedule, policies, and procedure.
2. Assume personal and professional responsibilities for actions and activities.
3. Use a courteous, enthusiastic and professional approach to policies and procedures within the Company.
4. Meet academic, performance, and conduct standards set forth by company name and Southern Union State Community College.
5. Enroll in the appropriate related instruction courses.
6. Provide Company and Southern Union State Community College with periodic progress reports on the quality of work and study assignments.
7. Submit transcripts at the end of each semester to supervisor.
8. Work effectively with peers and supervisors.
9. Notify (in writing) Company and Southern Union State Community College of changes in status as an Intern.
10. Meet citizenship and security requirements.

Hold Harmless Agreement

The Intern releases and holds Company and Southern Union harmless from any and all liability of claims for damages that may arise directly or indirectly to the extent caused by the acts or omissions of the Intern in the Program.

I understand that I am not applying for employment with the college or consortia and that I have not been assured employment with any employer participating in the college or consortia internship/cooperative education program. I understand that I will not be an employee of the college or consortia and that if I am extended an opportunity, it will be on an at-will part-time status by an employer participating in the college or consortia internship/cooperative education program. I understand and agree that the college or consortia cannot be held liable as my employer if my employment with any participating employer is terminated.

I understand that I may be required to submit to a physical examination and pre‐employment screening if required by participating employers. In consideration of my participation in the internship/cooperative education program, I agree to assume all risk, responsibility, and liability for any kind of injury or damage I may receive or sustain as a result of participation in the internship cooperative education program. On behalf of myself and my personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin, I agree to indemnify, hold harmless and release the College or Consortia, and the participating industries, their agents, consultants, and employees (“the releases”) from any and all claims of damage or liability resulting from my participation in the internship cooperative education program, including property loss, property damage, personal injury, or death, whether arising from the negligence of the releases or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I authorize the college or consortia internship/cooperative education committee to investigate my work experience and other matters related to my suitability for participation and further authorize the release of such information to the college or consortia. I understand that I am responsible for academic progress of all related coursework involved with this program. I certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that my omission or misstatement of fact on this application or on any document used to secure admission into the internship/cooperative education program or my failure to remain actively enrolled in the program shall be grounds for rejection of this application or immediate discharge from the program.