FAQs for Students & Families

Is there an age requirement for students?
Yes. Students must be at least 14 years old to work for a corporate partner.

Do all SJD students go to work?
Yes, all students are required to participate. Through CIP, students fund the majority of the cost of their education, in addition to acquiring valuable work experience and skills.

What are the advantages of CIP for students?
Through CIP, students earn a significant portion of the cost of their education. Also, students learn the value of hard work and acquire real-world contacts, experience, and skills that will help them through college and beyond.

Does the work schedule interfere with students' academic studies?
No. Schedules are structured so that students can work without missing class. Students will still complete a full class schedule and fulfill college preparatory high school requirements while working.

Will students get to choose where they work?
No. Students are evaluated by CIP staff, who then assign student teams to job sites, considering the skill level required for the job and each student's particular interests and skills.

What kind of work will students do?
Most students perform entry-level administrative work. Jobs differ on a partner-by-partner basis. Students are expected to meet or exceed the level of professionalism and dedication demanded of their adult colleagues at the workplace.

How are students prepared for their internships?
All incoming freshmen and transfer students attend a rigorous summer training program before beginning their first internship assignment. Training includes:

• Basic computer skills and Microsoft Word & Excel
• Standard office equipment training
• Office etiquette
• Positive first impressions in the workplace
• Phone skills
• Filing and document processing
• Confidentiality & ethics in the workplace
• Workplace safety

Students also receive ongoing coaching, performance reviews, and training from partners and the CIP staff throughout the school year.

Who supervises the students at work?
An on-site supervisor at the company will guide and support students at work. San Juan Diego CIP staff will coordinate with on-site supervisors to provide the necessary guidance, training, and care that students need to succeed in the workplace. All disciplinary actions are conducted by CIP staff.

Can parents directly contact the company where their child works?
No. All communications must go through the CIP Office at San Juan Diego.

How do students get to work each day?
San Juan Diego provides transportation for all students to and from their job placements.

When do students work?
Students work one day a week, and the day of the week is determined by grade level. Friday is a rotating workday that all grade levels will share to equal five workdays a month. CIP runs concurrently with the San Juan Diego school year, from August through May. Students work according to the Corporate Partner's calendar during the year, except for certain holidays. 

What if my student is sick or misses a workday?
In the rare case that a student misses a workday due to illness, the student will be required to make up the day (during a school holiday). No medical appointments or vacations should ever be scheduled on a workday.

Do students get paid directly?
No. Corporate Partners pay an annual fee to San Juan Diego. This fee is then applied directly and proportionately towards educating each child. Families are still obligated to the tuition established upon their acceptance to San Juan Diego. 

Is there a dress code?
Yes. San Juan Diego students are held to strict standards. All students are required to wear their school uniforms to work and must adhere to the dress code at all times.