Dear Business Owners and Managers:

Dear Community Members and Employers-

Almost all Skagit Valley College students are required to complete a work-based/career exploration experience as part of their educational program. We invite you to be a sponsor of our students as a rewarding way to connect with future employees or volunteers.

Learning Into Action and Cooperative Education encourages students to take classroom learning into the community and use these newly acquired skills and abilities at a work site. This experience is similar to an internship, and can involve a commitment from the student for as little as 30 hours or a longer term, depending on the program.

The college is committed to developing our students to their highest potential and feel this "hands on" experience will assist our college in this commitment. We thank you for committing yourself to the development of our students and the future employees of this community.

As a sponsoring supervisor, there are just a few forms for you to complete: Learning Contract, Objective Statement Worksheet, Time Logs, and Supervisor Evaluation. More information regarding your role as a Site Supervisor can be found at this link Site Supervisor Handbook

First, the student should present to you a Learning Contract with an Objective Statement Worksheet. The contract holds the student accountable for completing their internship-type experience with you, while the worksheet will define their goals for the experience. Students should meet with you to develop goals for what they will accomplish for your organization while gaining experience using skills learned in the classroom.

Time Logs will be maintained by the students and submitted with your signature at the end of the quarter.

Lastly, there is a Supervisor Evaluation Form that needs to be completed at the end of the working relationship. This form is designed for you to express your comments and concerns and to document the student's actions at your workplace.

In addition, I may be contacting you some time during the quarter to check in with the student's progress. This would be a good time to express any concerns or ask questions. If you are interested in hosting students in future quarters, please e-mail me and I can add you to my database of participating organizations.

I look forward to a working relationship with you. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Student Services at: (360) 679-5319

• Brings up to date ideas and current business practices they have learned in the classroom.
• Offers a source of skilled, motivated, and well-prepared future employees.
• Provides temporary employees that are motivated and eager to learn.
• Presents an opportunity to develop new projects with students' assistance.
• Provides feedback to college faculty about currently needed job skills in their field.