To talk to the DHS East and DHS West Career Office, contact Chris Wick at cwick@dasd.org.
CAREER WORK EXPERIENCE
1 – 3 elective credits *
The Downingtown Area High Schools provide Career Work Experience (CWE) for senior students to explore career opportunities not included in the traditional school curriculum. This program allows students to complete their academic requirements as well as participate in a work experience as part of their high school program. It is designed to help students simultaneously develop practical skills for the world of work. While participating in the CWE Program, students will be working at an off-campus location in the community. This provides them with the opportunity to gain work experience within our own community and make informed decisions regarding their future career choice in a specialized program to meet their individual needs. To qualify for this program, students must obtain a job at a local business. For more information, please obtain an application packet from the Counseling Office.
To be eligible students should: (Exceptions to the eligibility requirements may be granted by the high school administration.
- Be a high school senior.
- Have and maintain a 1.8 GPA.
- Have a good discipline and attendance record.
- Be responsible for providing his/ her own transportation to the work site (Public transportation, driving his/her
- own car, walking, etc. CWE students who plan to drive to work are responsible for obtaining a school parking
- permit.).
- Have parental permission.
- Take the required senior year courses to graduate on schedule along with CWE credits.
- Obtain an acceptable job placement.
- Complete all other school related obligations including fines, textbooks and graduation project proposal.
*1 credit of CWE = 5 hours of work/school week
2 credits of CWE = 10 hours of work/school week
3 credits of CWE = 15+ hours of work/school week
INTERNSHIPS
INTERNSHIP 1 – 3 elective credits *
The Downingtown Area High Schools provide Student Internships for senior students to explore career opportunities not included in the traditional school curriculum. This program allows students to complete their academic requirements as well as participate in an internship experience in their desired career field as part of their high school program. It is designed to help students simultaneously develop critical thinking while also gaining practical career skills. While participating in a Student Internship, students will be interning at an off-campus location in the community. This provides them with the opportunity to gain work experience within our own community and make informed decisions regarding their future career choice in a specialized program to meet their individual needs. To qualify for this program, students must obtain an unpaid internship at a local business or organization. For more information, please obtain an application packet from the Counseling Office.
To be eligible students should: (Exceptions to the above requirements may be granted by building principal)
- Be a high school senior.
- Have and maintain a 2.5 GPA.
- Have a good discipline and attendance record.
- Be responsible for providing his/ her own transportation to the Internship site (Public transportation, driving
- his/her own car, walking, etc. Internship students who plan to drive to the internship location are responsible for
- obtaining a school parking permit.).
- Have parental permission.
- Take the required senior year courses to graduate on schedule along with Internship credits.
- Obtain an acceptable Internship placement.
- Complete all other school related obligations including fines, textbooks and graduation project proposal.
- Obtain a school parking permit.
*1 credit of Internship = 5 hours of interning/school week
2 credits of Internship = 10 hours of interning/school week
3 credits of Internship = 15+ hours of interning/school week
EARLY COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE
Through proper planning and scheduling, a student can meet the requirements for college admission at the end of his/her junior year. The student must receive the approval of the high school principal and be accepted by a college. Upon successful completion of the freshman year at college, the student is awarded a Downingtown High School diploma and may participate in commencement.
DUAL ENROLLMENT
In partnership with local colleges/universities, DASD may offer juniors and seniors the opportunity to concurrently enroll in a college level course. Students participating in dual enrollment coursework would receive high school credit, as well as college credit. The partnering college establishes admittance and other criteria for participation. Students will be responsible for tuition, fees and course materials. More information is available from the Counseling Office or Dual Enrollment Coordinator.
WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES
The University English Course is open to a limited number of students who meet the selection requirements. This is a college level course, and as such, students will be exposed to college appropriate materials, teaching methods, and topics. Students abide by the rules and regulations of West Chester University. Students who successfully complete the course satisfy the Downingtown School District graduation requirement as well as earn West Chester University credit: 3 credits per semester. The determination of the courses to be offered is at the discretion of the University. All University fees are the responsibility of the students. The courses are as follows:
- 120 Effective Writing I An intensive course in writing that emphasizes skill in organization and awareness of styles of writing and levels of usage as ways of expressing and communicating experiences.
- 165 Introduction to Literature A course designed to develop awareness of literature as being central to all the arts, to increase levels of literacy and critical faculties, and to broaden understanding of the human condition.
- PREREQ: ENG 120 or permission of the department.
