Cooperative Education Work Experience

Mission | Program Plans | Learning Objectives | Cooperative Education | Cooperative Requirements | Units Required | Co. Education Application (PDF) | Objectives Worksheet (PDF)

Evergreen Valley College's unique Cooperative Education Work Experience pairs employers and educators with students to help them acquire the skills necessary for a successful career in today's business environment. The wide participation of local business, industry, and community organizations is reflected in its success.

In Work Experience, students gain experience with the latest techniques, procedures, and equipment used in community agencies and businesses, making class work more functional and relevant. In addition to receiving credit towards their certificate or degree, students often experience increased on-the-job visibility, earn additional responsibilities and gain new opportunities. Students are assisted by the Work Experience Coordinator who monitors progress and helps bridge the gap between these learning opportunities and the realities of work.

Work Experience is open to students in all majors. To be eligible, students must be employed in a paid or volunteer position and, under the guidance of a participating first line supervisor, assume new or expanded job duties. Students must also enroll in at least seven units of college coursework including Work Experience. Students enrolled in an accredited four-year college or equivalent course work may meet this requirement.

At the beginning of each semester, students develop objectives for new learning experiences with coaching from the Work Experience Coordinator. The coordinator works with both the student and employer during the semester to monitor progress and assist as needed. At the end of the semester the employer evaluates the student's performance regarding the objectives and submits a performance appraisal review to the college. This review, in addition to student work and the evaluation made by the coordinator determines the final grade.

Students can receive one unit of credit for each five hours worked per week up to a maximum of four units per semester for work experience related to the student's college major (occupational work experience), and up to three units per semester for non-major related work experience (general work experience). Students can earn a maximum of 16 units of occupational work experience or six units of general work experience.

Evergreen Valley College's Work Experience is helpful for students wishing to pursue an active career while in college as well as those who want a successful career in the future, after college. Placement assistance is available, but ultimately the student is responsible for securing a paid or unpaid position.

Benefits

• Build your resume; secure references.
• Gain a competitive edge in career advancement.
• Learn valuable job skills.

General Work Experience Education

General Work Experience Education is supervised employment which is intended to assist students in acquiring desirable work habits, attitudes and career awareness. The work experience need not be related to the students' educational goals.

General Areas of Study

Occupational Work Experience Education

Occupational Work Experience Education is supervised employment extending classroom based occupational learning at an on-the-job learning station relating to the students' educational or occupational goal.

Occupational Areas of Study

For more information about EVC Work Experience, contact:

Janina Espinoza
EVC Cooperative Education Work Experience Coordinator
Evergreen Valley College
Phone: 408-274-7900 x6857
Fax: 408-532-1859
Email: janina.espinoza@evc.edu