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 academic 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 Education and alternative course credit regulations is available in the SWC Catalog.
Student Benefits
Work Experience Education (WEE) Internship Program
The Work Experience Education (WEE) program, coordinated through the Career and Transfer Connections department, connects students with “career-focused internship opportunities” aligned with their academic and career pathways. These partnerships with for-profit and nonprofit organizations immerse students in real-world, evolving workplace environments where they actively engage in daily operations and adapt to modern workplace cultures. Students earn academic credit while building in-demand skills, gaining industry experience, and developing the insight needed to make informed, future-ready career decisions as they transition into 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 to an internship, that you have completed at least 3 to 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 1-4 units per semester and a maximum of fourteen units while attending SWC (unit selection varies per WEE course).
* 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 development, 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 |
* The one (1) unit option is not available for every Work Experience Education course. Confirm the available unit options with your instructor.
Work Experience Education (WEE) Required Forms
REQUIRED STUDENTS FORMS: You will be expected to review and complete the following required documents for your Work Experience class:
- Work Experience Education Agreement - Documents the internship placement, learning objectives, and required approvals.
- Work Experience Education Internship Timesheet - Records internship hours completed during the approved internship period.
- Work Experience Education Consultation Form - Documents required student and employer consultations.
Please follow your instructor’s directions for completing, signing, and submitting each form.
Work Experience Education (WEE)
Employer Information
Thank you for partnering with Southwestern College to provide meaningful internship opportunities. Your participation is instrumental in providing meaningful internship opportunities that enhance student success and align with students' academic and career goals through the Work Experience Education (WEE) Program.
Getting Started:
- Review the Work Experience Education (WEE) forms and program requirements.
- Create a free account on Handshake and post your internship opportunities. Employer Handshake
Important: Include the following statement in your internship posting:
“Students must be enrolled in a Work Experience Education (WEE) course to receive academic credit for this internship.”
Employer or Designated Internship Site Representative Requirements
Employers or designated internship supervisors agree to:
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. Review and sign the Work Experience Education Agreement, including the student’s
learning objectives.
3. Willing to consult with the assigned faculty members(s) to confirm placement
and address performance, as needed.
3. Evaluate the student’s progress toward the learning objectives and verify
internship hours on the required timesheet.
4. Contact the WEE instructor and coordinator if any concerns arise regarding
the student’s placement or performance.
5. Review the applicable NACE Internship Guide: NACE Internship Guidelines.
6. Comply with Federal and State Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Exploring Work Experience Education: Course Offerings Across Diverse Fields of Study
Some Work Experience Education (WEE) courses are offered in a structured series (290, 291, 292, and 293), allowing students to progress through consecutive semesters and gain hands-on experience in their field of study. Each course is designed to build on previous learning experiences, helping students develop practical skills and apply classroom knowldege in the workplace.
Additional Supporting Documents
Stipend Information: Students enrolled in Work Experience Education (WEE) courses may be eligible to receive a stipend of $750 for participating in an unpaid internship. Stipends aim to provide financial assistance to help with expenses that may accrue while participating in an unpaid internship.
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