AT&T Vital Link Week: June 14 - 17, 2010

Vital Link is based on the theory that students are best motivated to learn if they understand the connection between skills learned in the class and those needed for success in the workplace. A select group of eighth grade middle school students and teachers spend half-a-day for a week as interns in Mobile businesses to experience the importance of communication skills, mathematics, creativity, problem solving and teamwork.

Teachers are asked to make the connection between their curriculum and skills used on the job to help students understand the relevance of traditional classes such as language arts, science, and social studies. Students use their hands-on experience to help them select elective classes and make decisions regarding possible future careers.

Students usually intern in groups of 8 to 20 and are accompanied by a teacher supervisor who helps each business identify age-appropriate activities. A portion of the day is spent as a group, with discussion and journal writing to help students make the link between curriculum and the workplace.

Why You Should Participate

When surveyed, businesses consistently site areas in which they find weaknesses in the available workforce. Through Vital Link internships, students and teachers understand the importance of such real-world skills as communication, mathematics, computer literacy, problem solving, teamwork and creativity.

In return, employees rediscover satisfaction in their own work as they view their jobs through the eyes of a student. Employers tell us morale and performance improves the result of having Vital Link interns at the company. There is no cost to participating businesses for this program.

What They are Saying About Vital Link

"I know that I have to stay in school to get a job. I thought that once I got out of school I would not use math or other skills, but now I realize that I will." - Participating Student

"This was our first year to participate in Vital Link, and we found it be a rewarding experience. Our interns were well behaved and showed a great amount of responsibility for students their age." - Business Participant

You too, can participate in AT&T Vital Link

Mary Ann Napper, Program Director
P: (251) 476-0002
F: (251) 476-0046
E: mnapper@maef.net

Become a Business Participant TODAY!