BCC faculty take part in internships

Four Brunswick Community College faculty members recently interned at six local businesses/agencies as part of the College Tech Prep Faculty Internship Program that took place in May, typically interning from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. College Tech Prep grant funds made it possible to pay faculty members daily stipends of $150 for a maximum of five days to intern in local businesses and agencies. 

BCC faculty members Denise Houchen-Clagett, BCC Information Technology; Susan Hunt, BCC Cosmetology; Katie Mintz, BCC Early Childhood Education; and Michelle Sabaoun, BCC Biotechnology were assigned to intern within businesses or agencies that would compliment their areas of instruction. 

Faculty members experienced first-hand new technology and other updates related to businesses and industries in their program area. Members can then share the information with students, relate academic lessons in classrooms to possible workplace applications, become better equipped to assist students with career- related issues by utilizing an academic lesson plan they create as they participate in the work experience and bridge the gap between the education system and the business sector, which can ultimately result in increased involvement between the groups. 

The Brunswick County College Tech Prep Consortium, a joint effort between Brunswick County Schools, Brunswick Community College and local businesses primary purpose is to enhance and expand College Tech Prep to develop students’ abilities, skills and knowledge in a way that will enable them to successfully enter into college, community college and/or the workforce with greater competence and to provide opportunities for all students to establish clear and realistic career goals.

The following businesses participated in the faculty internship program: Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation, The Cutting Corner, N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College Child Development Center and the UNCW Center for Marine Science.