AIME — Anaheim’s Innovative Mentoring Experience
The landscape of education has changed. In 2013, over 200 students delivered nearly 5,000 petitions asking the City of Anaheim to rethink what education means in the 21st century. They asked for the skills, experiences, and real-world learning they would need to graduate as confident, career-ready, and college-minded individuals. In response, AIME was born to bridge the gap between classroom learning and on-the-job experience. It’s our goal to connect students to beyond-the-classroom experiences that expose them to mentors and connect them to industry professionals and the workplace while developing their purpose, passion, and unique voices through career exploration.
Our vast network of business, education, and non-profit partners help build our community, opening up more doors than ever for students to strengthen their talents, cultivate new skills, and find their passion. From the practicalities of resume writing and interview strategies to the intangible lessons of mentors and team-driven collaboration, AIME ignites a fire in students, launching them on new trajectories of personal growth like never before.
FAQ
Students
What is AIME?
AIME stands for Anaheim’s Innovative Mentoring Experience, and is a career mentoring and internship program exclusively for AUHSD students. The program offers various tiers of participation, including one-day career mentoring events, multiple day career mentoring series, and internships.
What are the benefits of participating in AIME?
The AIME program is designed to help students explore potential careers, as well as to see how 21st Century Skills (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and character) and technical skills are applied in the workplace. The goal of the AIME program is to help AUHSD students find a sense of voice and purpose to guide their plans after high school.
How do students participate in AIME? Where can I find out about AIME events?
AIME Career Mentoring Events typically just require completing a sign-up link, while internships typically have an application process. Students can find out about current AIME opportunities on the AIME website. AUHSD high school students can also contact their Work-based Learning Coordinator (see list linked here) to find out about events available for their school. For AIME internship opportunities, keep an eye on the website. The AIME Summer Internship is available for juniors, and applications are released in January of each year for the following summer’s program.
Can I participate in multiple AIME Events?
Yes! Participating in multiple events can help you explore a variety of potential careers. And each event participated in will be designated on your AUHSD transcripts.
Will I be excused from class to participate in AIME Career Mentoring Events?
Yes, if an AIME event takes place during the school day, you will be excused from class to participate, and transportation to the event will be provided.
When can I apply for the AIME Summer Internship Program?
Applications for the AIME Summer Internship program are released each January for the following summer, and AUHSD juniors are eligible to apply. The application will be emailed to all students via Aeries Communication, and will be publicized by our Work-based Learning Coordinators.
What grade do I need to be in to participate in the AIME Summer Internship Program?
You must be an AUHSD junior to apply for the AIME Summer Internship.
What are the requirements to apply for the AIME Summer Internship?
The AIME Summer Internship application consists of several questions and requires a cover letter and resume. We encourage you to prepare those items well in advance of the application deadline. You can find last year’s application and some helpful resources here.
Do you offer transportation for the AIME Summer Internship Program if my internship provider is far away?
Yes, students are offered OCTA bus passes to assist with transportation. If an internship provider is too far away to make bus transportation viable, the AIME program will provide another means of transportation. Students are welcome to arrange their own transportation as well.
What is the time commitment for the AIME Summer Internship Program?
The AIME Summer Internship program lasts six weeks, starting one week after the school year ends. Students should plan to work 15-20 hours per week at their internship location. In addition, students are required to attend internship class meetings from 9am-12pm each Friday with their internship coordinator. To participate in the internship, your schedule should be free of vacations and other commitments during this time.
What are the benefits of participating in the AIME Summer Internship Program?
Participating in a high school internship is a great way to show potential colleges and employers that you are committed to your education and career development. After completing the program, you will receive a certificate of completion, a $599 scholarship, 10 course credits, and a notation on your transcript indicating your participation in the program.
Parents
How do I find out about AIME events?
Students and parents can find out about events under the Career Mentoring and Internship Opportunities section on the home page. AUHSD high school students can also contact their Work-based Learning Coordinator (see list linked here) to find out about events available for their school. For AIME internship opportunities, keep an eye on the website. The AIME Summer Internship is available for juniors, and applications are released in January of each year for the following summer’s program.
What support can I provide for my student participating in the AIME Summer Internship program?
One of the best ways you can support your student is ensuring that their calendar is clear and that they can fully commit to the internship experience. The internship takes place for six weeks, starting one week after the school year ends. Students should plan to work 15-20 hours per week at their internship location. In addition, students are required to attend internship class meetings from 9am-12pm each Friday with their internship coordinator. To participate in the internship, students’ schedules should be free of vacations and other commitments during this time.
Your student also may need help with transportation during the internship. While the AIME program provides bus passes and additional transportation support, your student may find it easier to use their own vehicle or request the help of a family member for transportation.
How do I refer a potential business participant for the AIME Program?
If you would like to refer a potential business participant, please click here to fill out an interest form. You may also contact us directly at 714-404-4001 or aime@auhsd.us.
Is there a cost to have my student participate in AIME?
There is no cost for your student to participate in any AIME event or internship.
How is the AIME program funded?
The AIME program is funded with a combination of district funds, grants, and funding from sponsors such as the City of Anaheim, the Disneyland Resort, and Orange County United Way. We are always accepting funding contributions. Please click here if you would like to make a donation to the program.
Is participation in AIME required for my student?
While AIME participation is not required for high school graduation, it is a great way for your student to show that they have taken ownership of their educational and career planning. Participation in AIME career mentoring events and internship opportunities looks great on college and work applications. Our hope is that every AUHSD student participates in AIME events throughout their educational journey.
Businesses
How do businesses sign up to participate in AIME?
If you would like to become a business participant, please complete this form, or contact us directly at 714-404-4001 or aime@auhsd.us.
What are the benefits of participating in AIME as a business participant?
By acting as an AIME business participant, you are investing in the local future workforce and helping students plan for their future careers. For your employees, participating in AIME can bring an enhanced sense of purpose to their work. In addition, with your permission, the AIME program will feature your logo on our website and in other promotional materials, presenting your brand in a positive light.
How can I provide a donation to support the AIME Program?
The AIME program welcomes donations of any size. Please click here to donate and support the program.
What should an AIME Summer Internship participating business expect from the program?
As an AIME Summer Internship participant, your business can host two or more AUHSD juniors as interns. The program lasts six weeks, starting one week after the school year ends. Students will work 15-20 hours per week at their internship location. In addition, students are required to attend internship class meetings from 9am-12pm each Friday with their internship coordinator.
The AIME Summer Internship is designed to help our students explore potential careers while learning how 21st Century Skills (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and character) and technical skills are applied in the workplace. Students are assigned an internship coordinator who will support both the students and the business participants throughout the program.
If you would like to become a business participant, please complete this form, or contact us directly at 714-404-4001 or aime@auhsd.us. We will ask that you complete an agreement with the district and provide a job description for each position that will be available. We will support you every step of the way!
