Work-Based Learning

One of the unique educational aspects setting The Summit School apart from other academic high schools is its Work-Based Learning Program. Our students 14 and older have the opportunity to work in a variety of occupational settings where they learn foundation skills in addition to workplace etiquette and teamwork for successful transition to life after high school.

Nearly all of Summit’s students graduate with Regents diplomas and go on to attend college. The combination of rigorous academics with relevant work experience that students receive at Summit allows them to graduate with an impressive academic transcript and resume.

If you want to learn more about our program or have any questions, please contact:
Tara Pino
Upper School Assistant Principal
Director of Work-Based Learning Programs and Transportation
Telephone 718-264-2931 x213
Fax 718-264-3030
Email tpino@summitqueens.com

Win-Win

Participation is also a great way for business leaders to help the future generation of employees
by cultivating a more prepared and responsible workforce.

  • “Summit’s Work-Based Learning Program helps increase awareness and acceptance, and allows employees to experience firsthand what it is like to work with an individual with disabilities. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

    Christine Mascialino, Manager, Administration, AIG and WBLP Business Advisory Board President

Our 2 Stage Program

There are two stages of Summit’s Work-Based Learning Program for students: one supervised and one independent.

Job Coach Supervision:
Students in grades 9-11 travel with and are supervised by a job coach for about two and a half hours one day a week at their assigned job sites. They receive the training that a typical entry-level employee would receive and gain valuable knowledge about successful workplace behaviors. Students learn basic job skills in grades 9 and 10, progressing to more complex tasks by grade 11. As students evolve through the program, they continue to learn and demonstrate important 21st-century employment skills.

Senior Independent Work-Study:
The final stage of Summit’s work-based learning continuum culminates with a senior independent work-study in which students are encouraged to explore actual careers of interest, often with a reduced level of staff supervision. Senior students work at a job site for at least one-half day per week. This time of discovery provides an added advantage during college and career planning.

What Resources Must a Business Commit?

The involvement of job coaches for students in grades 9-11 means that there is minimal supervision required by employees at job sites. Usually one or two people at the host company provide early training to our students and communicate assignments.

Students participating in a senior independent work-study need only routine supervision by someone from the sponsoring company. Additionally, students must submit resumes and interview for their positions. The interview process is important for employers as it gives them an opportunity to assess applicants’ interests and abilities to determine proper placement within their companies.

Business partners are invited to attend two Advisory Board meetings per year. These meetings give business partners an opportunity to meet and network with other participating businesses and gain insights into how to make the program work best for them.

The Summit School provides liability insurance for all job sites. Companies do not pay our students, nor do they incur any costs through involvement with the program.

Businesses involved with The Summit School’s Work-Based Learning Program:

AIG
American Museum of Natural History
Applebee’s — various locations
Barnes & Noble — various locations
Bravo Media
Coffeed
Con Edison — Chem Lad
Con Edison — Irving Place (IT)
Con Edison — Mechanical Garage
Crown Trophy
Crowne Plaza JFK Airport Hotel
CVS Pharmacy
Davis & Gilbert, LLP
Hampton Inn — LaGuardia Airport
Haynes & Boone, LLP
Hick’s Nurseries
Jewish Theological Seminary Library
Kirkland and Ellis, LLP
LaGuardia Plaza Hotel
Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles, LLP
Long Island Children’s Museum
LuvPizza
M. Wells Steakhouse
Modell’s Sporting Goods — various locations
New York Botanical Garden
New York Hall of Science
New York Public Library — Battery Park City
New York Public Library — Heiskell Library for the Blind
Old Navy — various locations
Outback Steakhouse
Panera Bread
Pibb’s Industries
PJ Mechanical
Queens Botanical Garden
Queens Public Library — Jamaica
Ridgewood Savings Bank
Skadden Arp Slate Meagher & Flom, LLP
The Gap

Thanks for taking the time to learn about Summit’s Work-Based Learning Program. Please consider joining our winning team. It’s a great way to expand your business network and give something back to your community while helping our students identify new careers and possibilities.

If you want to become involved or you have any questions, please contact:
Tara Pino
Director, Work-Based Learning Programs
Telephone 718-264-2931 x213
Fax 718-264-3030
Email tpino@summitqueens.com