CUSD Workforce Development

Mission

Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Workforce Development is committed to preparing students for success in today’s rapidly evolving job market. Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that every student graduates with the skills, experiences, and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen career paths.

Internship Program Information

CUSD Workforce Development is dedicated to ensuring every student is equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s economy. By fostering innovation, adaptability, and lifelong learning, we help K-12 students become “Future Ready” – confident, skilled, and prepared to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

• K-6^th: The Career Literacy Project helps CUSD K–6 students see what’s possible. Through engaging, project-based learning led by media specialists, students connect classroom learning to real-world careers, practice problem-solving, collaboration, and communication, and build the confidence and curiosity they’ll need to thrive in the future.

• 7–8^th grades: *NEW* Discovering your Path course offers an engaging introduction to CUSD CTE programs, where students will embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery and career exploration. Through interactive activities and exploration tools, they will gain valuable insights into various career pathways and how to align their strengths with potential opportunities. The course culminates with a final project, allowing students to showcase their learning and reflect on their academic and career goals.

• 9-12^th grades: Juniors and Seniors that are CTE concentrators can enroll in the Mentorships-Internships-Careers (MIC) course where they connect with local businesses for real-world internships and valuable mentorships. Designed to complement Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework, MIC helps students build essential career and life skills while gaining industry-relevant experience.

Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) is committed to preparing students for the workforce by connecting them with hands-on learning experiences through our Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. We are always looking for business and industry partners to help shape the future workforce.

• Advisory Board
  • Actively participate directly with a CTE program throughout the school year to help shape future curriculum implementation & student engagement
• Career Fair
  • Staff a table to share information on your business, skills/education needed, and career opportunities
• Classroom Presentation
  • Share insights, career journey and guidance about your business / industry in a CTE classroom
• Industry Project
  • Guide & provide scope of work for a group of students to utilize class curriculum on a simulated project
• Mock Interviews / Resume Development
  • Participate in practice interviews with students & provide feedback on student resumes
• Judging
  • Judge projects or presentations by students enrolled in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)
• Workplace Tour
  • Provide tours for students and teachers at your place of business
• Job Shadow
  • Provide an opportunity for a small group of students to observe, discuss and/or participate in daily activities of a particular job
• Host Student Intern (through the MIC program)
  • Provide training and practical application/skills development tasks for a student in a supervised environment (paid or unpaid) Minimum 130 hours throughout school year.

By partnering with CUSD, you can:
✅ Develop a skilled talent pipeline by engaging with students early.
✅ Share industry insights to ensure students are workforce-ready.
✅ Give back to the community by supporting student career development.