Overview of DC CTE Internship Programs in High Schools
The District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) administers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools through the DC Career & Technical Education (DC CTE) network, aligning with 16 national career clusters to equip students with skills for high-wage, in-demand jobs. These programs blend academics with hands-on training, emphasizing work-based learning (WBL) like internships to bridge classroom learning and careers. The Architecture & Construction career cluster focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining structures, with pathways in areas like architectural design, construction management, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Completion typically requires a sequence of three or more CTE courses, an industry credential (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER Level 1, Autodesk Certified Professional), and a capstone WBL experience.
Internships are funded via Perkins V grants and prioritize paid, credit-bearing placements for juniors/seniors. OSSE aims to place 330+ students annually in school-year roles, with summer options for broader access. Construction trades face a 10%+ job growth projection through 2030, with entry wages starting at $50,000+.
Key Internship Program: Advanced Internship Program (AIP) in Architecture & Construction
The flagship OSSE program is the CTE Advanced Internship Program (AIP), a capstone model placing seniors in paid, credit-bearing internships aligned to their pathway. For Construction, placements involve site work, drafting, safety protocols, and trades under mentor supervision. Summer extensions via Career Ready Internships (CRI) offer similar experiences.
| Program/Course Name | Credits | Level/Grade | Description | Eligibility/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTE Advanced Internship Program (AIP) in Architecture & Construction (OSSE # Various) | 1-2 (full-year) | Capstone (Seniors) | Paid school-year internship (8-12 hours/week) at firms/sites, applying skills in blueprint reading, site prep, or trades like carpentry/HVAC. Includes coaching, evaluations, and portfolio development; leads to pre-apprenticeship hours. | Senior status; enrolled in 3rd/4th-level CTE course (e.g., Architectural Design II); residency verification; 2.5+ GPA preferred; application via LEA coordinator. Paid at $16.10/hour (DC minimum wage). |
| Career Ready Internships (CRI) in Construction Trades | Variable (Summer) | Application (Juniors/Seniors) | Paid summer placement (20-40 hours/week, 6-8 weeks) with partners like DC Students Construction Trades Foundation; focuses on real-world trades, mentorship, and soft skills. | CTE enrollment in Construction pathway; age 16+; teacher recommendation. Registration opens fall; transportation provided in some cases. Paid at minimum wage. |
| Practicum in Architectural Design (Local Pathway Capstone) | 1-2 | Application (Seniors) | Unpaid/paid capstone at design/construction firms; hands-on drafting, modeling, and project management. Offered in DCPS schools like Cardozo. | Pathway sequence completion (e.g., Architectural Design I/II); aligns with OSSE WBL continuum. Counts toward CTE endorsement. |
These integrate into the pathway:
- Introductory: Intro to Construction (0.5 cr.), OSHA 10 Safety (0.5 cr.).
- Technical (Construction Focus): Architectural Design I (1 cr.), Construction Trades (1 cr.), Electrical/HVAC Basics (1 cr.).
- Application (WBL): Advanced Design/Practicum with Internship (2 cr.), leading to NCCER or Autodesk credentials.
School and Program Examples
DC CTE serves ~18 DCPS high schools and 10+ charters, with Architecture & Construction pathways in ~10 sites. Key partners include DC Students Construction Trades Foundation for trades training/internships.
- Cardozo Education Campus (DCPS): Academy of Construction and Design offers carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing; AIP/CRI placements via Foundation partners; 70%+ graduates pursue related postsecondary paths.
- Columbia Heights Education Campus (CHEC, DCPS): Engineering/Architecture pathway with 3D modeling/coding; internships at ART Engineering, Pepco; Autodesk certification integrated.
- Wilson High School (DCPS): Construction Management focus; WBL with urban developers; high placement rate (90%+ workforce/college transition).
- Public Charters (e.g., Friendship Collegiate): Construction pathways with AIP access; partnerships for site-based learning.
For full listings, see DC CTE Programs or OSSE Approved Pathways.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
- Advanced Technical Center (ATC): Open-enrollment hub for dual-credit courses; includes WBL like paid internships in related fields (e.g., engineering tie-ins to construction).
- DC CTE WBL Continuum: Progresses from tours/shadowing to internships/apprenticeships; employer matching via OSSE.
- Certifications: OSHA, NCCER, Autodesk; funded via CTE Certification Program grants.
- How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator; AIP/CRI apps open fall (e.g., via OSSE Student Portal). Email OSSE.CTE.Internships@dc.gov.
- Outcomes: 95%+ CTE graduation rate; AIP participants show 20% higher postsecondary enrollment.
For details, visit OSSE CTE Page or DC CTE Site. Construction demand is robust, with 5,000+ local openings projected by 2030.