FOCUS Alternative Learning Center offers a variety of mentoring programs designed to empower kids and college students with the abilities to accept leadership roles. By helping others, they learn to make a difference and they also learn to help themselves!

We teach staff and kids critical life skills and coping strategies, promoting a sense of self-mastery and community that is very powerful and transcends across family, school and other social arenas. 

Our Mentoring Programs...

Counselor-In-Training: This position is open to adolescents ages 14-18 who are enrolled in the program and who demonstrate the ability to be sound role models for their peers.  CIT's assist the staff with the younger kids and learn skills in goal setting, positive behavior management and role modeling. Positive CIT qualities include: creativity, empathy, leadership, enthusiasm and high energy. Interested students need to apply for the limited number of CIT spots that are available.

Intern:  Students ages 16-18, who have demonstrated growth through their participation in the FOCUS program, may apply for the position of intern.  Interns are a step beyond CIT's in that they are expected to have a stronger hand in the planning and implementation of program activities.  They are also expected to use supervision to work towards achieving their personal goals.

Other Mentoring Programs...

There are many opportunities for people to intern at FOCUS.  The following types of internships are available:

• Volunteers:  This is open to high school and college students in the community who want to help others.  Credit can be given towards community service hours and some schools offer a course credit.

• Paid Interns:  This is available for kids ages 16-18 who are not quite ready for a job, but stay with the program for the social and emotional benefits of the program. They are trained for jobs in the community in their area of interest.

• Undergraduate Internships: This is available to college students who are pursuing a degree in human services or education and who wish to gain practical experience and supervision.

• Graduate Student Internships: This is available to graduate students who are pursuing an advanced degree in human services or education and who wish to gain clinical experience and supervision.

**Some of these internships may require a fee for participation and each internship is evaluated on an individual basis**