May business provide internships for students in PLTW courses?
Yes. The fifth course in PLTW has an engineering research component which requires a community sponsor and mentor. Students work in teams to solve an open-ended problem which could be completed out of school. Because the role of business/industry in this project-oriented course is that of serving as a mentor in student teams, the relationship of mentors is collegial and supportive.
Mentors offer practical advice and support in helping the teams solve their problem by providing another location where unique facilities and experts are available. During the whole experience, the teacher and mentors meet on a regular basis which results in improved communication and understanding between the school and the business/industrial community. In addition, all teams must present and defend their research projects and solutions to a panel of representatives from business/industry, colleges, and the school. This "super-charged internship" provides the same attributes as a typical internship but is structured in a school program and is based on academic standards.
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