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.
- Shape Your Future Talent.
- Partner with us to create hands-on projects that develop the exact skills your organization needs.
- Boost Your Brand.
- Showcase your company's commitment to workforce development.
- Solve Real Challenges.
- Leverage student creativity on fresh, cost-effective projects.
- Streamline Hiring.
- Identify top performers early and reduce recruiting costs.
Business Partner Responsibilities:
- Provide mentorship & supervision in a safe, on-site environment
- Offer meaningful tasks aligned to your business goals
- Complete two performance evaluations (midpoint & final)
- Collaborate with NHCS CTE Coordinators on student onboarding and site visits
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.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.