Career Opportunities and Real-World Experiences (CORE) Program
Connect classroom learning to real-world experience. Businesses mentor tomorrow's workforce, and students earn high school credit, skills, and experience.
Strategic Partnerships Power CORE
CORE Programs are made possible through partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and institutions that are committed to developing the future workforce.
Strategic partners play a critical role in:
- Providing real-world learning environments
- Mentoring and guiding students
- Helping students develop industry-aligned skills
- Strengthening connections between education and workforce needs
These partnerships ensure CORE experiences are meaningful, relevant, and impactful for students and the community.
- Shape Your Future Talent. Boost Your Brand.
- Partner with us to create hands-on experiences that help students develop the exact skills your organization needs.
- Boost Your Brand
- Showcase your organization’s commitment to education, workforce development, and community investment.
- Solve Real Challenges.
- Leverage student creativity and fresh perspectives on real projects and business challenges.
- Streamline Hiring.
- Identify and connect with students early, reducing future recruiting and onboarding costs.
Business Partner Responsibilities:
CORE Internship partners support students by committing to the following:
- Provide mentorship and supervision in a safe, on-site environment
- Offer meaningful tasks aligned to your business goals
- Complete two student performance evaluations (midpoint and final)
- Collaborate with NHCS CTE Coordinators on student onboarding and site visits
Thank You to Our Current CORE Partners
Why Apply for a CORE Internship?
- Earn High School Credit.
- Complete 120 internship hours plus mentor evaluations, journal reflections, and a Proof of Learning project to earn your elective credit (graded: Sponsor Evaluation 30%; Journal/Reflections 40%; Hours Logged 30%; Proof of Learning 20%).
- Get Paid.
- Many business partners offer stipends or hourly wages.
- Build Your Resume.
- Stand out on college & job applications with real experience.
- Learn On the Job.
- Master professional skills—communication, teamwork, problem-solving.
- Explore Careers.
- Test-drive fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, manufacturing, and more.
Student Requirements:
To participate in our CORE internship program, you must:
- Be a CTE concentrator (taken at least 2 courses in the same NHCS CTE pathway) in grades 11 or 12
- Be 16 years or older by the internship start date
- Maintain good academic standing & secure CTE Coordinator approval
- Commit to 120 internship hours (7–8 hrs/week over the course of 1 semester)
- Arrange your own transportation to the worksite
How to Apply:
1. Schedule a meeting with your Career Development Coordinator to discuss your interest in an internship & identify a potential employer
2. Complete the Internship Application by the 5th day of the beginning of the semester.
3. Submit a work permit. (For paid internship)
4. Submit timesheets and weekly reflections in Canvas.
5. Complete 120 hours (minimum) of work.
6. Adhere to employer’s rules and regulations.
7. Complete the Proof of Learning Project and present to a panel of stakeholders
Resources: CORE Internship Handbook
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.