For years, Crater High School has been sending students into the local work force for a first-hand look at specialized careers.

Recent budget cuts, however, left Crater’s business teachers scrambling to keep the popular program afloat. They need business owners who are willing to mentor student interns a few hours each week and teach them the skills of a trade.

"We have everybody from kids who want to be police officers to architects, work on motorcycles or be firefighters and nurses," said business teacher Mike Rogan. "These are good kids who want to be there."

More than 200 students participated in Crater’s intern program last year. For three hours each week-per semester, a student works free of charge at a local business, earning class credit.

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But last year the program’s coordinator who paired students with businesses retired, and no replacement was hired.

"We’re limited in scope in who we know," said Rogan. "We just don’t know a ton of people who we can ask to do this."

Crater interns have worked at more than 50 local businesses throughout Southern Oregon, including Rogue Valley Medical Center, Fire District 3, Passey Advertising and WP Natural Gas.

Like any job, students are required to show up on time, dress appropriately, participate and follow orders.

High school teachers track student progress through a series of phone calls, and the business owner is required to evaluate the student twice during the internship.

"It gives them a pretty good taste of what that career would be like," said Bob King, a teacher who helped organize Crater’s highly specialized School of Business. "It’s got so much to offer. I thrilled to see what’s being done."

Joe Ramos, owner of Medford photography studio Beyond Images, said he jumped at the chance to support the program three years ago by agreeing to take on interns.

He noted students often arrive at his business with starry eyes only to discover that photography isn’t all about glamour and adventure.

"Spending time in school doesn’t give you that real-world experience," said Ramos, who has worked with five Crater interns. "They learn that behind the scenes, there’s a lot more production going on than shooting."

When the internship ends, students walk away with more than just experience and a job reference.

In many cases, employers have offered jobs or scholarships, added Rogan.

Occasionally, the experience becomes a lesson in reality when a student learns that an internship into their chosen field isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

"Some students find out this isn’t the job or career they want," said Rogan. "They learn in weeks, rather than finding out after college this isn’t the right career."

Ramos — who has high praise for his former Crater interns — urged new businesses to participate but advised that the program is a commitment.

"Really, it’s not an internship but a mentorship. You can’t mentor someone by saying ‘Here, go sweep,’ " said Ramos. "It can be time- consuming, but I think it’s worth it."

If you’re interested

Employers do not pay students for their time. Business owners are required to evaluate the student twice each semester, and discuss the student’s performance with a teacher.

The high school provides worker’s compensation insurance for all students, and interns provide their own transportation.

Crater High School business teachers are asking interested business owners in all fields to come forward and volunteer their time.

In addition, teachers have had difficulties finding internships for students interested in careers in law, law enforcement, psychology, counseling, social services and architecture.

For more information about the program or to volunteer, e-mail mike.rogan@district6.org or todd.bennett@district6.org.

Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485,or e-mail jbriskey@mailtribune.com