AV Education Foundation Volunteer Internship Information Sheet

You have expressed interest in applying for an Anderson Valley Education Foundation Volunteer Internship. The Education Foundation is a public benefit non-profit organization whose mission is to expand the educational opportunities for the youth of Anderson Valley.

The following Frequently Asked Questions may be helpful to you in making the decision to apply.

What is an AVEF Volunteer Internship?
The internship program is designed to promote student opportunities to experience working in their community. Internships offer students the opportunity to learn specific skills and to explore the possibilities of a career or business.

 What are the benefits to students who participate in an internship?
NOTE: The Education Foundation is no longer able to pay students for their internships. The organization that we partnered with to provide Workmen’s Compensation Insurance has been reorganized and we no longer qualify with them. Our only other source for this insurance requires that the intern be an unpaid volunteer.  SO WHY WOULD I WANT TO BE AN INTERN?
1. SCHOLARSHIPS: Graduating seniors will be invited to apply for AVEF scholarships to attend a college or technical school. Though the law prevents us from promising a scholarship, we will look favorably upon those applicants who have completed a volunteer internship.
2. ADMISSION TO COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOLS: Institutions of higher education are looking for applicants who have expanded their education beyond the classroom. They are looking for students who have demonstrated interest in their community.
3. FUTURE JOBS: Students who successfully complete a volunteer internship gain work experience that is useful when applying for a future job.
4. POTENTIAL TO BE HIRED: If appropriate, interns may be hired by their mentors when the volunteer internship is completed
5. REFERENCES: The mentor can become a valuable reference for you if you apply for a different job in the future.
6. INTERVIEW SKILLS: You will gain confidence in your ability to apply for and interview for college or a job.
7. HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT: Volunteer interns receive 5 credits for 80 hours and 2.5 credits for 40 hours  on their high school transcript.
8. NEW EXPERIENCES: A volunteer internship is an opportunity to try something new. 
9. MEET NEW PEOPLE: Interns meet new people in the community who may be helpful as friends and as mentors.
10. FUN: Past interns often report that working with their mentor was fun and worthwhile.
 
How do I become an intern?
Students select internships that interest them, complete a written application and interview for the position with a member of the AVEF board and the mentor. The interviews are completed before school ends for the summer break. The mentor selects the student intern.  

What kinds of volunteer internships are offered?
Descriptions of the available volunteer internship positions are described in a binder located in the high school library or on line via the school website. AVEF strives to offer a wide range of work opportunities for student interns.

How many hours are needed to successfully complete a volunteer internship?
A volunteer intern must successfully complete either a 40 or 80 hour internship. Normally an internship is completed during summer vacation. The individual schedule is worked out after interns are selected and varies according to need. Mentors are generally quite flexible and understanding of other activities or responsibilities students may have.

Who can apply?
Any students currently enrolled in 8th through 11th grade that live in Anderson Valley may apply. The ideal student volunteer is curious, positive and has a cheerful approach to working with adults.

How do I begin?
The types of volunteer positions vary from year to year. A binder with the descriptions of them is available in the school library in late March. When you find a position(s) that interests you, take the information home and discuss the options with your parents or guardian. Things to consider with your family are transportation to the work site and summer trips that will affect your schedule or ability to complete the internship.

How do I apply?
Application forms are available in the library and the application can be printed from the school website. Application deadlines will be announced in advance. Make sure your application is legible, written in ink and is complete. Please use a phone number that we can use to reliably reach you in case there is an unexpected cancellation, change in the interview time, and to notify you of selection.

How will I know the interview date and time?
The school librarian will post the interview schedule in advance. It is your responsibility to make sure you can attend on these dates. If you fail to come to the interview and do not let the librarian know in advance, you will not be a candidate for the position.

How many positions can I apply for?
You can apply for as many as you have interest in and are willing to interview for. However, once you are notified that you have been selected you may not interview for other positions.

I was an intern last year. Can I apply again?
Yes.

How do I prepare for an interview?
We have noticed that students who practice an interview situation beforehand consistently perform better than those students who do not practice. In addition, there is a Tips for Interviewing worksheet in the front of the library binder and on the website.  

Who selects the volunteer intern?
Selection is based on the quality of your application and the results of your interview. A member of the AVEF board and the mentor will attend the interview. The mentor makes the final decision.

Do I need to have a resume?
It is always impressive to bring a copy of your resume to the interview or include a resume with your application. Even if your past experiences do not seem relevant to the position, a resume is helpful to the interviewer in getting to know you.

How soon will I know if I am selected?
This varies according to how many students apply for a position. It is possible that you will know the day of your interview or very soon after.

What if I have problems with my mentor during the volunteer internship?
Communicating directly with your mentor in a way that tells him or her that you are trying to understand and are eager to perform well is the best way to resolve any difficulties. Learning to work with an employer or other employees is a valuable part of your experience. If you are having a more serious problem, you are encouraged to call the AVEF board member who attended your interview. The phone number of this member will be provided to you when you are selected. During the first weeks of your internship the board member will visit the work site, talk to you and your employer to follow up on your progress.

Can my mentor fire me?
Yes, if after a good faith effort the problem is not resolved, the mentor can terminate the internship.  

What happens when I have completed the required hours?
AVEF requires that you keep a simple time log which includes a brief description of what you did during your internship. Your mentor should sign the log to verify that you completed your hours. Arrange for the AVEF board member to collect the log.