As the 2017 school year comes to a close, the seniors begin their participation in the Capstone Program, a program that allows the seniors to partake in a four-week internship upon their return from the March of The Living.

Before this program was launched five years ago, seniors would leave for spring break and then attend the March (an extended break from school). Then they returned to finish classes and take exams during the few weeks remaining in their final semester of high school.

Faculty members recognized that seniors were unmotivated to work during this time, as most had committed to college, AP exams had passed, and many had recently returned from a transformative life experience. The intrinsic motivation to learn was gone, and therefore, teachers, parents, and students worked together to find an alternative.

As an independent school, dTHS (New Community Jewish High School at the time) had the opportunity and resources to find a solution to this problem. Although the idea was not unique, as other independent schools have similar programs, faculty and students committed to developing our own program model.

Now, the Capstone Program begins each year at the start of the fourth quarter, shortly after spring break, when students either go on the March of the Living or begin an internship (students going on the March complete a shorter internship upon their return). The length of the internships has varied each year, depending on the calendar. The lengths of the internships have ranged from four to eight weeks.

As the director of the Capstone Program, Mrs. Bodenstein “works with each individual student and senior mentor teacher to assist students in finding an internship in a field that they are interested in, a process that begins at the end of their junior year.” Students learn how to build a resume, construct a cover letter, and improve their personal etiquette, all skills they must have to find a job.

With the help of the general community, including parents of dTHS students or alumni, or organizations dTHS has partnered with in the past, students who have no work experience are able to work for a short period of time in a field of their choice.

“Students have the opportunity to intern in subjects that they are passionate about,” Mrs. Bodenstein said. “We rely on the greater community and the internal parent committee to aid us in providing students with these exceptional opportunities.”

Students in recent years have volunteered with organizations such as LA Family Housing, Jewish World Watch, several local hospitals, and a local animal shelter. Some are sitting in on important meetings, while others are actively participating in specific programs. Senior Sara Glaser, for example, is teaching fitness at a local middle school.

In addition to facilitating these internships, the Capstone Program holds seminar days, which prepare students for life after high school. These seminars delve into the physical, emotional, and financial health aspects that impact each student as they enter adulthood and the search for a viable career.

While it is impossible to provide a student with all the essential skills they need in life before graduation, these internships help each individual learn more about the world. As the majority of 17 and 18 year-old students do not know what they want to do after they graduate, a low commitment job helps students discover their interests and passions for future job prospects.

Our seniors enter college not only with something on their resume aside from school experience, but also with a newfound knowledge of how to apply themselves in future positions.