Endersession
What is Endersession?
Endersession (May 6th - June 7th) is a five-week period where 12th grade High Tech High students curate their own curriculum with a variety of learning experiences to prepare themselves for their role in the world after graduating high school.
What can I do during Endersession?
Endersession activities must be designed to fill 30-35 hours a week. Check our catalog of ideas here.
Activities can include:
Internships - Students can return to their junior year internship sites or seek out new internships. Due to California state law, students are not allowed to receive academic credit for paid work.
Volunteer work - Volunteering is a great way to see more of the world, gain valuable new skills, and show your commitment to making your community a better place. Think about what you are most passionate about and research local long-term volunteer opportunities.
Credit Recovery
Certifications & Classes - Find a certification course or register for a college class that can help you with your future career plans.
Capstone Independent Project - Design a project around a passion and exhibit in the Endersession showcase. This project must be approved by a panel of HTH staff.
Examples of Awesome Past Endersession Projects
Erica and Brian partnered with a school in Chile to teach Project Based Learning and made a website documenting their adventures here: https://ericabrianinchile.weebly.com/
Noehmi split her time volunteering at an elementary school and being an intern at Bread & Salt gallery in Barrio Logan
Jeri volunteered at Veterinary Specialty Hospital and took classes in American Sign Language
Madi interned at the Nieh Lab at UCSD and researched the effects of pesticides on different species of bees
Taylor interned as a vet tech at Sunset Cliffs Animal Hospital
Examples of NOT approved Enderession Projects:
Working all day at Taco Bell
Tutoring students without partnering with an approved organization
Three week road trip with friends
Internship with family member
For Students
Step 1: Brainstorm ideas on this spreadsheet
Step 2: Fill out Endersession Proposal plan (make a copy of the template) and meet with your advisor for approval. If you are planning to travel for Endersession, you need to fill out this Travel Commitment Form, have it signed and approved by February 6th.
Step 3: All students should fill out the Student Endersession Commitment Form
Step 4: Your mentor should fill out the mentor confirmation form
Step 5: If you are doing an internship, Complete Workplace Harassment Training Video, Select "Nonsupervisory" submit completed certificate on Google Classroom
Step 6: Internship site visit on April 24th 2024 9am-12pm
Step 1: Fill out the mentor internship confirmation form
Step 2: If you are a new mentor, you are required to attend one virtual live mentor training. Registration information will be sent to you after you complete Step #1 above.
If you are a returning mentor, you are required to watch a recorded video training. We will send you the video after you complete Step #1.
Step 3: Sign pages 8-10 of the handbook. We will send this to you electronically
Step 4: Site visit preview day is April 24th 9am-12pm. Your student will visit your site to practice the commute, parking, tour the facility and meet you!
FAQ
How many hours are required for Endersession? Endersession is 30-35 hours per week which is approximately 6-7 hours per day.
Does my paid job count for Endersession? No. your paid job does not count as Endersession.
Will the school provide transportation? No, students are responsible for their own transportation.
Can I do an internship with my family member? Not with an immediate family member, however, a cousin or aunt or uncle would be fine.
What if I want to do my internship outside of San Diego?
Is there any funding available? Yes, the Parent Association has 5 matching grants of up to $250. It is first come, first serve. Submit a one page pitch including what the funds will be used for and your fundraising plans to hthpacommunications@gmail.com
How do I plan an Endersession?
Apply to potential Endersession sites or programs (make sure to explain what Endersession is, your learning goals, and how you can contribute)
Create an Endersession proposal or Endersession Travel Proposal
Meet with your Endersession X block advisor
Implement the feedback to your plan
Final draft of your plan signed off by guardian
Final draft of plan signed off by Endersession X block advisor