The PRO internship program at Canyon ISD is designed for seniors who are interested in learning more about a possible future career. Students go through a selection process and are chosen to participate based on an application, interview, essay and teacher recommendations.

“Sixteen were chosen out of over 30 applicants,” instructor of the PRO program, Marcie Cook said. “During the selection process assistant principals are contacted about behavior and discipline issues.”

Students meet for two class periods per day throughout the school year and receive two elective credits. Students will intern with mentors Tuesday through Thursday weekly.

“Students are looking for mentors in career fields such as engineering, biomedical research, school psychology, photography, attorney and law, criminal justice, deaf interpreting, baking business and pediatric services,” Cook said.

Once admitted into the program, a mentor is carefully selected to work with the student in their chosen career. The PRO teacher works with students on management, communication, interpersonal skills, interviewing and goal setting.

“One of my favorite things about teaching the PRO class is that the students who were chosen are intrinsically motivated to learn more about their career choices, and understand that this class is a way for them to do that,” Cook said. “I also like the fact that the students develop long lasting relationships and all respect each other’s unique talents and abilities. At the end of the year we become our own PRO family.”

The students in this year’s class include Nick Allen, Shelby Bella, Jessica Black, Taylor Blevins, Austin Bradshaw, Hailey Forbes, Lexi Hill, Harley Lennon, Emily McCay, Sierra Miller, Austin Musgrave, Sayre Precure, Ryan Ragsdale, Arin Rice, Jarrott Roberts, and Hannah Sevier.