The Senior Experience

At Gorham High School, we believe that authentic, real-world learning deepens students’ understanding of their interests and potential career paths. The Senior Workplace Learning Experience offers eligible seniors the opportunity to engage in a 36-hour experience outside of school—exploring fields they are passionate about through internships, volunteer work, or approved interest-based projects.

Upon completion, transcripts will reflect:
“Successfully completed the senior workplace learning experience of 36 hours.”

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Senior Experience

Program Goals

The goals of the Senior Experience is to provide seniors with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that help them:

  • Explore personal and career interests

  • Gain insight into professional environments

  • Reflect on their goals for the future

Who Can Participate

The Senior Workplace Learning Experience is designed for all seniors who are passing their classes and on track to meet graduation requirements.

Important Note:
Seniors who are not eligible for graduation or who are failing one or more classes will not be permitted to participate in the Senior Experience. Instead, they will be enrolled in Senior Summer School at GHS in order to complete necessary requirements for graduation.

How It Works

Submit a Proposal
Seniors submit a project proposal through a Google Form outlining their workplace learning plans.

Obtain Approval & Paperwork
Once approved, students will pick up the official Senior Experience Contract and letters for parents/guardians and site supervisors that must be signed before seniors can begin their experience.

Get Started
After administrative approval of the contract has been communicated, students begin their experience.

Key Requirements

Participation: Seniors who choose not to participate must attend classes during the two-week period.

Unpaid Experience: Seniors may not be paid for their senior experience unless approved in advance by GHS administration.

Flexible Scheduling: Students and their community partner set the schedule (max 8 hours/day), including weekends if desired.

Academic & Extracurricular Commitments: Participation must not interfere with:

  • Athletics

  • AP or Early College classes

  • Band, Chorus, or CTE obligations

(Students must get approval from teachers or coaches if there are potential conflicts.)

Transportation: Students are responsible for their own travel to and from the site.

Liability: The Gorham School Department has purchased liability insurance for seniors to be able to participate in the senior experience.

Final Assessment

Log & Reflect
Throughout the experience, students must:

  • Keep a Daily Log

  • Write a Thank You Letter to their site partner

  • Submit a Written Reflection summarizing what they learned