908 Career/Community Service Intern Program (C.V.I.P.) Grade 12
Fourth-Quarter
The Burlington High School Senior Career Exploration Program offers eligible seniors the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom through authentic experiences in professional settings during the fourth quarter of their senior year. Participants will explore potential career interests, gain firsthand exposure to workplace expectations, and connect their academic studies to real-world applications. Throughout the program, students will develop essential 21st-century skills aligned with the BPS Portrait of a Graduate, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, while learning to adapt and contribute in dynamic environments. Working alongside their Career Exploration Program hosts, students will apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, gaining confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of the skills and habits that drive success in today’s world. Career exploration projects for eligible seniors will take place during the fourth quarter of senior year. Students are responsible for developing their own career exploration plan, which must be reviewed and approved by the BHS Career Exploration Committee. Those who need assistance identifying or securing a placement are encouraged to meet with the BHS Career Exploration Staff or their counselor for guidance and support.
Career Exploration Project Opportunities: Career Internship, Workplace Learning Experience, Community Service Project, Innovation Pathway Project, MCC Minimester
Career Internship: Students work with a professional mentor in a career field of interest, observing and contributing to day-to-day operations while gaining firsthand experience in a professional environment. This option emphasizes developing career-specific and transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration, and professionalism. Students learn to take initiative, manage time effectively, and apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts. Internships help students explore potential career paths, build their professional network, and strengthen skills that support future academic and career success.
Workplace Learning Experience: Students participate in a paid or unpaid work experience to expand their understanding of professional expectations and workplace culture. This option focuses on developing essential employability skills—such as responsibility, punctuality, communication, teamwork, and initiative—while gaining real-world experience in a job setting. Students are expected to meet the standards of a typical workplace, including reliability, professionalism, and consistent effort throughout the program.
Community Service Project: Students engage in a service-based project that meaningfully contributes to the community. While projects typically take place outside of school, in-school service may be approved if it demonstrates a genuine and sustained impact on the community. The project may be completed through an established organization or as an independent initiative, with an approved supervisor verifying participation. Projects should promote personal growth and help students develop skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Innovation Pathway Project (formerly the “Flipped Internship”): Students enrolled in the BHS Innovation Technology or Business Pathway design a project that applies innovation, creativity, and technical or entrepreneurial skills to solve a real-world problem. Students may also work towards industry certifications, such as Microsoft Excel or CompTIA Security+. Projects may involve prototyping, data analysis, business planning, technology design, and other related tasks. Students who are not enrolled in one of the BHS Innovation Pathways may apply after connecting with the Pathway Leaders. Approval depends on program capacity, the quality of the proposal, and the strength of teacher recommendations. Students participating in the Innovation Pathway Project are expected to complete their work at BHS.
MCC Minimester: In partnership with Middlesex Community College (MCC), students enroll in short-term, college-level “minimester” courses during the career exploration period. This option allows students to earn college credit while exploring academic or career fields such as health sciences, criminal justice, education, or business. The college sets coursework and participation expectations.