De La Salle North Catholic: Corporate Internship Program

our students, giving underserved young people opportunities for personal growth and workplace skill development while supporting their dreams of college. Students earn 50% of the cost of their education and develop a full appreciation for the value of education through the program, while employers reap the benefits of increased workplace diversity, motivated student employees, mentorship, and community development. Our work-study program engages local and national companies to provide a wide range of work experiences. Students are employed throughout the Portland metro area in diverse settings, including financial institutions, healthcare, hospitality, law firms, retail, and universities. Sponsoring companies contract with the Corporate Internship Program to fill full-time, entry-level positions with De La Salle North students. Each student works five days per month in a job-sharing team comprised of four students. Working in a rotating schedule, each team fills one FTE job in a standard Monday-through-Friday business week schedule. The program sets the tone for student behavior and expectations in the workplace and in the classroom. Students graduate from De La Salle North with the equivalent of a full year of work experience. New students participate in a summer training program to prepare them for the expectations of the business world. Training includes the importance of making a positive first impression, guidelines for professional office attire, honing communication skills and customer service, and operating basic office equipment. Through participation in the Corporate Internship Program, students receive academic credit and gain valuable real-world experience, equipping them for life beyond high school. Since 2001 nearly $11.8 million in earned income from corporate partners has been invested in our north Portland school. While both employers and De La Salle North benefit from these partnerships, it is students who reap the greatest rewards, as they enter college and future workplaces prepared and ready to contribute. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a De La Salle North Catholic Corporate Internship Program sponsor, please contact: