Foundational Year
SPEAKHIRE’s award winning Foundational Year support, prepares, and empowers all kind looking for career counseling. As a SPEAKHIRE Intern, a participant of SPEAKHIRE’s Foundational Year, you will learn about your career interests and develop the skills you need to pursue those career interests through connections with professionals and peers who can open up doors to opportunities.
Foundational Year At School
In the Foundational Year at school, you will be matched with incredible professionals, called Career Pathways Champions, and will have the opportunity to grow and learn about yourself and a peer community.
Be between the ages of 13 and 22
Individuals in need of a Career Pathways Champion
1 day/week (45 min advisory/lunch/elective period)
November - June (ask about summer programming)
Applications due by the end of Sept for 3 rounds starting fall, early January for 2 rounds
Application fee: $20
Commitment Fee: $75 (returned upon successful graduation) or submit essay
You may be eligible for a scholarship
Foundational Year At Home
In the Foundational Year at home, you will be matched with incredible professionals, called Career Pathways Champions, and will have the opportunity to grow and learn about yourself outside of the classroom.
High school and college students
Individuals in need of a Career Pathways Champion
1 day/week (45 min sessions)
November - June
Applications due by the end of Sept for 3 rounds starting fall, early January for 2 rounds
Application fee: $20
Fees: $1000 - 2 Internship Rounds, $1500 - 3 Internship Rounds
You may be eligible for a scholarship
SPEAKHIRE Intern’s Network Circle
Program Goals
Make schools more inclusive
Increase school engagement & class participation rates
Strengthen school to career connections
Social and workplace skills gains for students
Academic Gains
Positive identity development and goal setting
Increased school engagement and belonging
Increased self-efficacy
Access to social capital and opportunities
Foundational Year Journey
Application
Complete an application with your background, location, college and career choices, skills, etc.
CLASS
Use the CLASS (Career Learning and School Selection) process to track growth and development.
Internship Rounds
Participate in Internship Rounds (9 virtual sessions with a Career Pathways Champion).
Resume
Complete your own resume with skills and experiences gained from the internship year.
Chapter Club
Participate in the SPEAKHIRE Chapter Club (offered at select school-based programs).
Internship Round Sessions
College Readiness
Learn about different colleges that will fit your school to career pathway.
Career Preparedness
Prepare for your career with skills you learn from Champions and exposure to different careers.
Career Ecosystem
Grow your social capital, network of individuals who can support your school to career pathway.
Community Development
Build your community of support for greater opportunities to develop as a leader.
Graduation Requirements
1. Successfully complete 2 Internship Rounds.
2. Attend a minimum of 6/9 sessions per round.
3. Complete every Internship Round survey & program survey.
4. Attend 60% of all Chapter Club sessions (at select schools).
Take Action & Apply Now
Foundational Year Application Will Need:
Head shot
Latest report card
Parent/Guardian Consent and Liability Release form
Commitment Fee or Form