Work Experience Education
The purpose of Work Experience Education (WEE) is to provide students with an integrated instructional program that provides opportunities to connect academic curricula to applied experiential learning in the workplace (Title 5.55250).
The Work Experience Education (WEE) program allows students to earn college credit through an internship (either paid or unpaid) related to their field of study. It utilizes the entire community as a laboratory; expanding network opportunities for students, gain knowledge, valuable skills and learn from leaders that will help students choose a clear path.
Additional information about Work Experience Alternative Course Credit Regulations can be found in the SWC Catalog.
Students Benefits
Work Experience Education (WEE) Internship Program
The Work Experience Education (WEE) program, coordinated through Student Employment Services, pairs students with internship opportunities related to their field of study. These pairings range from profit or non-profit agencies and expose students to real-world experiences by participating in daily workplace activities and learning how to navigate within workplace cultures. Students earn college credit while acquiring skill development in their field of study to make effective career choices and develop lifetime career choices as they enter the workforce.
Work Experience Education (WEE)Eligibility Requirements for Students
1. Enrollment
Register for a Work Experience Education course (290-293) that is related to your declared major. Ensure that you have the time needed to commit towards an internship, that you have completed a minimum of 3-4 core classes in your field of study. Students may be accepted through the second week of the semester ( first week of summer). Students may earn up to (4) units per semester and a maximum of sixteen units while attending SWC.
* Students who are working in their field of study and desire to use their place of employment may petition to waive a major requirement.
2. Internship Site
Before the first day of class, students must have a secured internship site with an approved employer in order to participate in Work Experience class. A resume is also required. If you would like assistance with finding an internship, interview preparation, resume building and or have questions please schedule an appointment via Handshake under MySWC Campus Apps.
Completing Hours for Academic Credit
Choose the number of credits (units) you wish to earn to figure out how many internship hours you'll need to complete. Hours are only counted between the start and end dates, within the semester timeframe.
| Work Experience Credits (Units) | Internship Hours Required |
|---|---|
| 1 Unit* | 54 hours |
| 2 Units | 108 hours |
| 3 Units | 162 hours |
| 4 Units | 216 hours |
* Only ADN and LEGAL Work Experience courses offer a one (1) unit option
Work Experience Education(WEE)Required Forms
STUDENTS PLEASE USE THESE FORMS: You will be expected to review and complete the following required documents for your Work Experience class:
- Work Experience Education Agreement
- Work Experience Education Internship Timesheet
- Work Experience Education Consultation Form
Work Experience Education (WEE)Eligibility Requirements for Employers
Thank you for considering a partnership with Southwestern College. Your support is instrumental in providing meaningful internship opportunities that enhance student success and align with their academic and career goals through the Work Experience Education (WEE) Program.
Next Steps: Review the SWC Work Experience Education (WEE) forms above and register for a free Employer Handshake account to post your internship opportunites.*Include a statement in the job description that students must be enrolled in a work experience course for academic credit.
Employer or Designated Intern Site Representative Commitments:
1. Provide supervision and training to ensure work experience site offers real
hands-on learning experiences.
2. Ensure students receive the educational benefit from this work experience
that directly relates to their field of study.
3. Agree and sign the Work Experience Agreement, which includes learning objectives.
3. Willing to consult with the assigned faculty members(s) to confirm placement
and address performance as needed
3. Score learning outcomes and verify/sign timesheet once the students
hours have been completed
4. Contact the Work Experience Instructor and Coordinator if a student issue
or concern arises.
5. Review the NACE Internship Guide: NACE Internship Guidelines.
6. Comply with Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Exploring Work Experience Education: Course Offerings Across Diverse Fields of Study
Work Experience Education (WEE) courses are offered in a structured series (290, 291, 292, 293), allowing students to progress through consecutive semesters and gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields of study. Each course is designed to build on the previous one, providing students with valuable learning opportunities and practical skills that enhance their academic journey.
Additional Supporting Documents
Stipend Information: Students may be eligible to receive a stipend of $750 for participating in an unpaid internship. Stipends aim to provide financial assistant to help with expenses that may accrue while participating in an 'unpaid' internship.
Meet With a Coordinator