Independent Study and Mentorship program
Star Local News
Photo Courtesy of Frisco ISD
Posted: Tuesday, September 16, 2014 4:30 am
Frisco ISD students who are involved in the Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) program are in need of volunteers to offer professional advice to them as a part of this program. Approximately 250 high school juniors and seniors are participating this school year.
ISM is a course elective designed to help students explore their interests and prepare for the future. Over the course of the school year, students will conduct research interviews, work with a mentor in a chosen career field and formally present a product based on what they have learned.
Julie Martin, Frisco ISD’s coordinator of gifted and talented programs, said that success in ISM requires a lot of academic hard work, time, dedication, follow-through and courage from students.
“To begin their ISM journey, students contact professionals and ask to interview them about their jobs,” she said. “While some of this information can be researched on the Internet, there is just no substitute for what students can learn when they engage directly with adults who work in their chosen profession. Setting up and going on these interviews takes courage and practice.”
The ISM Business Symposium marks the beginning of this process, where members of the business community are asked to assist with the symposium. Martin said it’s an important event for students because it gives them the opportunity to practice and build confidence in their business skills.
“Students dress professionally, bring their resumes and get to work on important soft skills with adults who are not their teachers via informal conversations and one-on-one mock interviews,” she said. “The ISM program is truly a life-changing experience for students. They learn so much about their chosen profession, but they also gain confidence in their ability to engage others and give presentations that are engaging and articulate.”
This year’s event is split into two to accommodate the increasing student enrollment.
The first event will include students from Frisco, Lone Star and Wakeland high schools. It will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 3 in the Frisco ISD Administration Building training rooms, 5515 Ohio Drive.
The second event will include students from Centennial, Heritage, Independence and Liberty high schools. It will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 10 at Independence High School, 10555 Independence Parkway.
Business professionals may volunteer at one or both events. They will conduct mock interviews, evaluate student resumes and help students build networking skills.
A background check is required to participate. Lunch is provided but is optional for those who take part.
Volunteers may contact Martin at martinju@friscoisd.org.
“These are skills that will never be measured on tests but that will last for a lifetime,” Martin said. “We are so grateful for professionals who are willing to donate a Friday morning to support these remarkable students. Year after year, professionals leave this event impressed with these young people and even with a renewed hope in the next generation.”
