Career Opportunities and Real-World Experiences (CORE) Program
The workforce is calling - and CORE is how students answer. CORE connects NHCS students with local employers through meaningful, hands-on workplace experiences that build real skills, explore career pathways, and strengthen the workforce right here in Wilmington. Whether you're a student ready to step into the real world or a business ready to invest in it, CORE is where it starts.
Businesses & Organizations
The next generation of your workforce is in a classroom right now. Help shape it by providing students with real-world learning experiences, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities.
Students & Families
Ready to answer the call? Gain hands-on experience, explore career interests, develop professional skills, and earn high school credit through a CORE internship.
The workforce is calling - CORE internships are how students pick up. Eligible NHCS juniors and seniors gain real hands-on experience in career fields aligned with their interests, all while earning high school credit. This isn't busy work. It's the kind of experience that sets students apart on college applications, job interviews, and beyond.
Through CORE, students can:
- Explore career paths before committing to one
- Gain real workplace experience that builds confidence and skill
- Develop the professional and employability skills employers are asking for
- Strengthen college applications and resumes with documented work experience
- Connect with industry professionals who can become mentors and references
- Earn high school elective credit for 120 hours of meaningful work
Students Eligibility
To participate in a CORE internship, students must:
- Be a rising junior or senior (students younger than 16 may be considered if they are a CTE Concentrator)
- Be at least 16 years old before the internship begins
- Maintain good academic standing and receive CTE Coordinator approval
- Commit to completing the required 120 internship hours
- Arrange transportation to and from the worksite
Check out the CORE Internship Handbook for full details.
New Hanover County Schools and its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age or disability, in its activities and programs, including employment policies and practices.
Las Escuelas del Condado de New Hanover y su Programa de Educación en Carreras Técnicas no discrimina a ninguna persona de sus actividades o programas, incluyendo prácticas de empleo, por razones de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, o discapacidad.