Ask 15-year-old Cesar Capada what the best part of his job is working in the warehouse at Fabricland in North Plainfield and he'll tell you operating the store's conveyer belt. He also enjoys restocking the shelves, finding products for customers and working side-by-side with Isaac Prince, Jr., the store's warehouse manager. Ask Louise Donnelly, a guidance director and supervisor of business at North Plainfield High School and coordinator of their Youth Employment Internship Program, what the best part of this program is and she'll tell you that it keeps students "on track", allows them to experience working in the real world and gives them an enormous sense of responsibility.

When the program started in l996, it was funded soley by the Department of Labor's School to Career Initiative Grant. When the funds ran out three years later, the North Plainfield Board of Education decided to fund the program itself because of its success and value. " It's been a tremendous project," said Ms. Donnelly, "and we currently have 18 young people actively placed in community businesses. When students apply for this internship program, the school gives them the Harrington O'Shea Career Interest Inventory." Ms. Donnelly explained. "This form helps both the school and student identify possible career paths and areas of business they may be interested in pursuing". The program is targeted for members of the freshmen class - simply because at this age, as indicated by research, students may possibly become disinterested in school. " To be in the program, a student must put in a total of 48 hours of work and in most cases, it takes between two and three months to complete the internship.

At the end of their program, the student is paid $200 and the employers receive stipend, as well. "Since its inception in l996, Fabricland has participated in our program with great success, " cites Ms. Donnelly. "Many students have worked at the store --some choosing to continue after their internship is up. " It's people like Bruce Heyman, owner of Fabricland, who really make a difference because he was one of the first business owners to come on board with us, "said Ms. Donnelly, " and has always waived the stipend from our Board for this program. His focus on community service and helping our youth has been a real advantage to our internship concept."

For more information about the Youth Employment Internship program for freshman students at North Plainfield High School, contact Louise Donnelly at 908-769-6000.