AV Education Foundation Volunteer
 Internship Sponsors Information Sheet 2011

You have expressed some interest in sponsoring an AVEF student intern. The Anderson Valley Education Foundation is a public benefit non profit organization whose mission is to expand the educational opportunities for the youth of the Anderson Valley by building upon community support. Your knowledge and experience as a mentor can inspire a young student and help build community understanding.

The following Frequently Asked Questions may be helpful in making your decision.

How do I know my business will benefit a volunteer intern?
Students vary widely in their work experience. Many have never participated in a real interview situation. Because of the short term nature of the internship students are willing to try a work experience that they would otherwise reject. Students have expressed surprise that they actually enjoy working, they see a different view of career opportunities, and they appreciate the added value to their resume. Students receive H.S. credit for AVEF volunteer hours. Importantly, AVEF will invite graduating seniors who successfully completed a volunteer internship to apply for an AVEF scholarship to attend college or technical school. Our scholarship application process will emphasize volunteering as a desirable quality. See the question below about your responsibilities for more ways you can benefit a student intern.

How do I begin?
The first step is to write a job description to be advertised at the high school library and on the school website. You will need to select a length of intern commitment. Students receive 5 hours of credit for 80 hours of volunteering and 2.5 hours of credit for 40 hours of volunteering. The length is up to you. The AVEF internship committee needs your job description before March 16th, 2011. Call Gail 895-2344
       Box 242  Boonville  95415

How much detail should I put on the work description?
Your description will ideally provide the prospective student with a general idea of what the work will involve.  Please try to be specific about times of work and days of the week you require. If you are truly willing to be flexible about days and times that is OK. Please mention any skills you require or if you require a resume.
  
Who may apply to be an intern?
Any high school student in grades 8-11 who lives in Anderson Valley may apply. This includes students at Anderson Valley High and Rancheria high schools, independent study students, and students at high schools outside of the valley including boarding schools.

Am I guaranteed to get an intern?
No. There may be positions that no one applies for. The Education Foundation members and the school staff make an effort to insure that only students who meet your qualifications are scheduled for an interview. Also, if during the interviews you are unable to find a suitable student for the position, you are not obligated to participate.

Can I hire the intern later?
Many sponsors have been very pleased with their intern and were able to hire the student after completion of the agreed upon hours hours. You are not obligated to do so.

Who selects the student?
Sponsors make this decision. You may want to develop a set of questions to ask each of your applicants during the interview. An AVEF board member will also be present to ask questions and review with the student their obligation to the internship experience. Most interviews take place at the High School after school hours. We make every effort to make the times of the interviews convenient for you and possible for the students who have academic and sports schedules to consider. Occasionally interviews must be scheduled at an alternate location or time.

What are my responsibilities?
An internship involves more than a specific task. As a sponsor it is important to help the student appreciate the bigger picture of your business or project. You have an obligation to be a mentor and to help young people understand what an employer expects in a workplace. You can inspire a student, instill confidence in their abilities to work, and help them consider career options.

What about insurance?
Students are covered by workman’s compensation and liability insurance through an agency called North Coast Opportunities. A copy of their policy will be provided if you would like to see it. This is not medical insurance. Medical insurance is a responsibility of the student. Parents or guardians of selected volunteer interns must sign a note acknowledging their student’s participation in our volunteer program.  

What if I have problems with the intern?
A member of the AVEF internship committee will visit you and the intern at your place of work during the first week. You are welcome to contact us at any time throughout the internship with questions or difficulties. You and the AVEF board member will communicate with the intern in an effort to remedy any problem. Positive feedback from you is also welcome.

Can I terminate the internship?
If, after a good faith effort, the problem is not resolved you are not required to continue.

Am I obligated to participate every year?
You are not obligated to participate every year. Many of our past sponsors really enjoyed the opportunity to complete a special project at work and getting to know a young person. They have expressed an appreciation for the value of this community building experience. AVEF makes every effort to provide a variety of volunteer experiences within the limits of our valley. Without sponsor commitment this opportunity for young adults in our rural community would not exist.