You have expressed some interest in sponsoring an AVEF summer 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. Summer internships are funded by generous donations to our foundation or grants we receive. Internships are the perfect way for students to gain work experience in a rural location with limited opportunities for employment. 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 or job will benefit an intern?
Students vary widely in their job experience. Many have never participated in a real interview situation or had a job before their internship. Because of the short term nature of the internship students are willing to try a job that they would otherwise reject. Students have expressed surprise that they actually enjoy working, they see a different view of career opportunities, and they see that a job is more than earning money. 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 and in the local paper. The AVEF internship committee needs your job description before March 17tt, 2008.

How much detail should I put on the job description?
Your job description will ideally describe in detail what you believe the job will entail. 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 age student who lives in Anderson Valley and who has not yet graduated from high school 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 are occasionally jobs 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 hire.

 Who pays the intern?
Interns are enrolled in a summer school class and thus are covered by district workman’s compensation and liability insurance. The Anderson Valley Education Foundation pays the students upon successful completion of the internship. Students must keep a time log which also includes a brief summary of what occurred during those hours. Sponsors sign the completed work log to confirm the hours are correct. Interns are responsible for delivering these logs to the school office before they can be paid.

Can I hire the intern later?
Many former sponsors have been very pleased with their intern and were able to continue to hire the student after completion of the 80 hours. You are not obligated to do so.

Who does the hiring?
Sponsors make the hiring 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 job. 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 an employee. You can inspire a student, instill confidence in their abilities to work, and help them to explore other career ideas.

What about insurance?
Students are covered by Anderson Valley Unified School District workman’s compensation and liability insurance. This is not medical insurance. Medical insurance is a responsibility of the student.

What if I have problems with the intern?
A member of the AVEF internship committee will visit you and the intern on the job during the first week of work. 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 fire the intern?
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 enjoy the opportunity to complete a special project at work and to get to know a young person. They come to appreciate the value of this community building experience. AVEF tries very hard to provide a variety of work experiences. Without sponsor commitment this opportunity for young adults in our rural community would not exist.