How the Program Works

insideBERKSbusiness is a five-day summer learning experience for educators. It brings members of the education and business communities together for activities designed to give educators an insider’s look at local businesses.

Flexible scheduling is a distinct feature of the program. Participating businesses host an educator intern for four days. Those days are scheduled according to the availability of the host and the educator.

During the four days, the intern learns about the company or organization, and, when possible and appropriate, works on a small business project. On the fifth day, all hosts and interns gather together for a culminating seminar.

The program is funded through the generous support of the Berks Business Education Coalition and Berks County school districts.

Program Components

	Pre-internship Meeting At this meeting, the intern becomes familiar with the host business or organization, and the host has the opportunity to learn about the intern’s background and interests.
	Internship Day 1: Business Orientation Company overview Discussion with Human Resources Company tour
	Internship Days 2-4: Workplace Experience Department/site visits Job shadowing Special meetings & presentations Small business project
	Internship Day 5: Seminar Company tour Lunch Sharing of experiences Presentation of project to business mentors
	School Project Prior to Day 5, each participant is required to complete a school project that includes a slide show about his or her business experience and outcomes of the program and a classroom project abstract that describes plans for integrating career awareness activities into existing lessons.

contact:
Connie Skipper - 610-987-8496 - conski@berksiu.org
Heidi Gamler - 610-987-8548 - heigam@berksiu.org

“From my point of view, the sharing of information, partnering me with an outstanding organization, and the format used to share the experiences are all strengths.

The concept, though, of sending out the teachers to the business world for hands-on experience that they can share with students is one of the best ideas.

Students question the validity of information they are expected to learn, so when a teacher can say he/she was part of this program; instruction will have a more positive impact.”

Mary Elizabeth Short,
Oley Valley SD

"We always come away satisfied. The educators are ready to translate their experiences with us on to their classrooms. That is very rewarding for us.”

Lydia Zydik,
Connors Investor Services, Inc.

“Helped me understand what skills are needed to be successful in the work force. Also, it was fun to meet new people!”

Anthony Casamassa, Conrad Weiser Area School District