This article examines a longstanding university-sponsored summer internship program for doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences at the University of Michigan's Rackham Graduate School. Four years of student reflection data suggest that an internship is an enriching experiential learning opportunity that contributes to both…

This paper reports on a three-year initiative to enhance the undergraduate Extension Education minor at a state land-grant university. Specific initiatives to improve the undergraduate Extension Education minor curriculum involved (a) revising the Extension Education minor due to varied curriculum and faculty changes and (b) aligning eight…

This paper describes a faculty-led summer program in Madrid, Spain. We argue that it represents a case study in the implementation of best practices in study abroad, particularly as it relates to experiential programs that include an internship component. Adding to a growing consensus on best practices for these types of educational opportunities,…

Students' summer experiences during college potentially influence their postsecondary outcomes and job placement. Little is known, however, about how college students spend their summers. Drawing from prior research, current strands of literature, and Pierre Bourdieu's theory of societal reproduction, the author suggests that scholars explore the…

The demand for expertise and professionals in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) field is growing rapidly. In addition to this demand for STEM experts, the demographics of the nation are also shifting rapidly and the number of people of color is projected to continue to grow significantly over the next forty years. Although the…

Practical research experience has been seen as an important tool to enhance learning in STEM fields and shape commitment to science careers. Indeed, this was a prominent recommendation of the Boyer Commission. Further, there is evidence this is especially important for minority students. In this paper, we examine the role of practical research…

California's education system--the largest in the United States--is an essential resource for ensuring strong economic growth in the state. The Career Technical Education Pathways Initiative (referred to as the Initiative in this report), which became law in 2005, brings together community colleges, K-12 school districts, employers, organized…

Studies six summer interns in an engineering development center. Shows that for the interns and their more experienced colleagues, learning did not precede activity but rather was the means by which they remained attuned to activity and able to function. Finds cognition was distributed not only among people but also among people and their tools;…

An evaluation was conducted of the Boeing Company's summer internship program for students enrolled in a manufacturing technology program after grades 11, 12, and 13 (first year of community college). The evaluation included the following activities: a review of documents describing the internship structure, student selection process, and…

Recently, the Dayton-Montgomery (Ohio) Public Education Fund Mathematics Collaborative sponsored 18 educators in a summer industry internship program. Many teachers gained invaluable insights on learning to work with people and applying knowledge to work situations. Participants learned the value of incorporating teamwork, technology, problem…

The Summer Training and Education Program (STEP) provides 14 and 15 year olds with a paid summer experience that combines work, remediation in reading and math, and life skills instruction. This national, federally funded program is a response to data which show that poor academic performance and teenage pregnancy are important contributors to…

This performance report of the Summer Institute for Advanced Study on Educational Research for Asian Americans describes and evaluates the activities conducted from November 1, 1978 through October 31, 1979. The primary object of the project was to increase the participation of Asian Americans in the field of educational research and development.…

The Boeing Company contracted with the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory to evaluate its student internship program, part of a "school-to-work" effort modeled after the nationally recognized Tech Prep initiative. The company's involvement in the Tech Prep Program has been implemented in three phases: (1) the initial phase helped…

This performance report of the Summer Institute for Educational Research on Asian Americans summarizes and evaluates the activities and tasks completed from February 1 through October 31, 1980. The goal of the project was to increase the participation of Asian Americans in the field of educational research and development. Specifically, the…

The activities and tasks of a summer institute are summarized and evaluated in this report. The goal of the institute was to increase the participation of Asian and Pacific Americans (APA) in the field of educational research and development. Specifically, the institute provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and common concerns…