Cactus Shadows to increase workforce program
By Curtis Riggs | February 11, 2009
Internships for upper-classmen
CAVE CREEK – Cactus Shadows High School upper-classmen will be able to receive more real world experience beginning this semester through a re-focus on the Workforce Development Program.
Cactus Shadows Guidance Counselor Mike Sarraino said the program, which was actually implemented at Cactus Shadows last year, is designed to create a “symbiotic relationship” between the community and the high school. Students will be able to receive “real-life” experience out in the community.
Sarraino said the community will benefit because it will see what “wonderful, valuable kids” there are at Cactus Shadows. The Workforce Development Program is a partnership between the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, the Carefree-Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce and area merchants.
The Workforce Development Program will be open to second-semester juniors and Cactus Shadows seniors.
Gina Durbin, the CCUSD Director of Student Support Services, said the program will include job shadowing to go along with the Workforce Development internships.
Speakers from the business world will address students monthly and there will be a career fair at Cactus Shadows this spring.
Sarraino said the program will “work on other fronts.” In addition to giving students an idea of what the working world is like it will also help students select a career path.
“Before they spend the money to go to college, it will help to give them a better idea of what they want to do,” he said.
For information about the program visit the CCUSD website at www.ccusd93.org/workforce.