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Learning Through Interests Program LTI

Learning Through Interests (LTIs) is one of the core aspects of the MEC Prep curriculum.  LTIs place students in real-world settings with mentors who have expertise in that field. The LTI may take place at a small or large business, a school, or within a community-based organization.  The mentor will connect the student’s learning to the real world and act as a role model, resource, and guide.  While students are learning about specific job fields, they are also working to benefit the organization through a project.

After spending the first few weeks in seminars designed to refresh their understanding of professional/business skills, MEC Prep students will seek internships that align with their interests. They may ask the internship coordinator for suggestions or use other resources to seek options.  Students will complete a project that is agreed upon between the student, their mentor, and a MEC Prep advisor.

Permission slips are required for all job shadows and interviews.  Background checks are completed for all adult mentors.  We track student attendance at internships with a GPS-based web tool.

Internships

This is an opportunity for students to learn on-the-job from a mentor in an authentic setting related to a personal interest.  Each student’s advisor will drive to their internship location to meet with the student and the mentor at least once per month.  Background checks are run on all mentors, as safety is a high priority for MEC Prep.  We use a program called ImBlaze to find and manage internship experiences; this app can track students’ location. Students are responsible for their own transportation to internships.

Mentors

Advisors work closely with internship mentors to ensure that students are supported in and accountable for behavior, work, and learning that meets or exceeds professional real-world expectations. Students are taught and expected to show not only the academic preparedness for college but also the practices and character required to succeed after high school: work ethic, study habits, use of resources and personal qualities such as time management, honesty, and responsibility

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way for students to learn about different career options. Informational interviews are typically the first step in acquiring an internship. When students complete informational interviews, they can decide if the business/organization aligns with their interests. Students may complete as many interviews as they would like to find the right fit for their interests and passions.   

Job Shadows

Students have an opportunity to complete job shadows at businesses/organizations when they have interest in pursuing an internship in a particular field. During their visits, students observe possible mentors working at their craft and are able to ask questions about the work that is being done. This allows students to decide if they are interested in a particular field and if they would like to pursue an internship with the person they have shadowed or anyone else that works in a related field.      

Examples of Internship Sites 2022-23

  • 2nd Time Sports Equipment
  • 5280 Auto Repairs
  • Adam’s County 911 Communication Center
  • A New Generation Childcare Center
  • Adams County Commissioners' Office
  • Adam's County Museum
  • Alpine Glenn Veterinary Clinic
  • Buildstrong Construction Academy
  • Bundles of Babies Day Care Center
  • Butterfly Pavilion
  • Clinton Home Care Inc. 
  • Coding School
  • Colorado History Museum
  • Concorde Career College
  • Denver Health General Hospital
  • Denver Museum of Nature and Science
  • Dynia Architect Firm
  • Gforce Powersports
  • Glamour Hair Salon
  • Gmotors Used Cars LLC
  • Horse Place at Hudson
  • Invalesco Real Estate
  • Junior Achievement
  • Le Patisserie Bakery
  • Marine Recruiter Station
  • Metropolitan Dental Care
  • Platte Valley Pharmacy
  • Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center
  • Reading Partners
  • Riverdale Animal Shelter
  • Select Physical Therapy
  • Splash Auto Detailing
  • Tattered Cover Book Store
  • The Bindery Restaurant
  • Universal Music Co.
  • Vasu Skin Solutions
  • Z Cycle Shop
  • Common Areas of Student Interest:
  • Architecture
  • Automotive
  • Bicycle repair
  • Business
  • Childcare
  • Construction
  • Beauty/Cosmetology
  • Culinary
  • Dental
  • Education
  • Equine (Horse) Science
  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Law Enforcement
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Music
  • Politics
  • Power vehicles
  • Real estate
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • Veterinary