Orientations/Retreats

For two weeks in August, new students learn about the skills and attitude that will bring them success in our school, culture, and internship program. Throughout the two weeks students take placements tests and attend workshops such as

• English and Math Basics 
• Organization Skills
• Computer Basics
• Individual Learning Plan (ILP) Introduction
• Great Lake Financial Aid Overview
• How to tie a tie
• Junior Achievement Success Skills (7 sessions)
• Social Interaction/Valuing
• Interviewing Skills
• Resume Writing 
• Professional Etiquette
• Persuasive Speaking
• Community Trust Overview
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

During the final days of the orientation students participate in mock interviews. Volunteers with a professional background, usually corporate executives, interview our students. Over two days students are interviewed a minimum of three times.

Orientation External Assessment

The mock interview external assessment is designed to evaluate students in the following dimensions, willingness to engage; ability to identify own values and source of those values; present themselves professionally in appearance and demeanor; and demonstrate verbal skills appropriate for an interview.

Students will meet with three interviewers over the course of two days. Students will take notes after each interview on their strengths and weaknesses during the interview. The interviewers will complete a rubric assessing each student’s abilities in the aforementioned dimensions. After completing three interviews the student will self-assess their overall performance.