What are the expectations of me as a mentor?
An effective mentor:

• • Clearly communicates expectations to intern (conduct, dress, language, etc.)
• • Outlines internship responsibilities
• • Teaches intern skills and behaviors that are relevant to the internship business
• • Is as available as possible for intern questions
• • Notices and comments on any outstanding as well as detrimental behavior or actions of intern
• • Addresses any conflicts/areas of weakness to intern, then speaks to LLA advisor directly if problem persists
• • Maintains an internship environment that is appropriate for high school age youth
• • Meet with advisor and intern once a semester during a site visit to review performance and expectations.

What can I expect from my intern?
We hold students to high standards and help them meet these expectations through a continual process of learning. Some of the expectations we have for students are that they:

• • Work to support the goals of their internship site
• • Attend their internships punctually and communicate professionally if they may be late or absent
• • Act and dress appropriately for specific internship setting
• • Follow all LLA Codes of Conduct at internship site
• • Present final experiences and outcomes to mentors and LLA community
• • Complete updated résumé that lists all skills gained at LLA internship
• • Document each internship day through an email update to their adviser
• • Write a thank you letter to mentor at end of internship Work in an open-minded way to explore career options

When can students work?
Student interns are available on Wednesdays during the school year. We have cleared this school day of classes and it is fully dedicated to internships.

How long do they work for?
Generally we ask that students work for a minimum six-hour shift, but we can customize the duration if necessary. The specific schedule can also be customized; one intern at a local bakery begins her internship as early as 7:30am, while others work at businesses that open later and may begin their internship day as late as 11:00AM.

How will they get to my site?
It is the responsibility of the intern to get to and from the workplace. Students are provided with youth MUNI passes and have each made a transportation plan to identify their transportation route and approximate travel times. If in the course of the work it is necessary for the intern to travel with the mentor, the parent/guardian must first sign a permission letter.

What should LLA interns wear?
Students are expected to attend their internship in the LLA uniform unless the mentor requests them to wear the current worksite dress requirement. The mentor will designate during the initial set-up meeting whether they want the intern to wear the normal LLA uniform or the work site dress code (for example: business-casual or a uniform like scrubs, automotive jumpsuit or company shirt.) The normal LLA uniform is a white polo shirt, black pants, no visible colors and no hats. LLA expects students to follow this agreement made during the initial meeting for the entire semester and for mentors to alert the school adviser as soon as possible if the student is not wearing the agreed-upon attire.

What about liability?
Life Learning provides $25,000 accidental medical coverage to all students. Any amount beyond that would be determined according to California State law.

How many breaks do interns get per day?
Interns should be allocated the same break times and frequencies as other employees at the work site.

Do internship sites need to provide lunch?
No. Students are welcome to bring their own lunch to the work site or buy it from a nearby store or cafe. Also, LLA offers students pre-made lunches that students can make at LLA on Tuesday afternoon and bring to their internship on Wednesday. Please let LLA know if there is not student access to refrigeration so that we can make alternate lunch arrangements for students.

Can they use their cell phones?
LLA students are prohibited from using cell phones during their internship to make or receive calls or text messages. Any calls or communications should be made on breaks in an appropriate area. Students should only use electronic music devices, like iPods, with specific permission from their mentors.

Can I hire my intern?
Yes! At the end of their internship commitment, you are welcome to offer employment to our students. There is not a specific expectation to do so, but numerous mentors have decided to hire their interns.

What do I need to do to get started?
Contact LLA and let us know that you are interested in becoming a mentor (see contact information below). Please describe the internship responsibilities briefly and let us know where you are located. We will then work to find a student that is interested in your industry and the student and their adviser will contact you soon. You will need to also get your Live Scan fingerprint for the Department of Justice. We will provide you with instructions, locations and the necessary forms. We will reimburse you for the cost or you can go to the site where we have an account. Even if you have been fingerprinted for another agency, you do need to get fingerprinted again using our specific Department of Justice account number so that we will have access to reporting.