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High School Students Get Hands-On Job Training

Posted on July 26, 2012
NGC HIP Program Student Interns

Since 1971, the High School Involvement Partnership (HIP) has given students the opportunity to receive hands-on job training at Northrop Grumman while receiving high school credit. “HIP was founded in Los Angeles as a Regional Occupational Program (ROP), and is the longest-running student mentoring program in the United States. The 17-week program, which is funded and administered solely by Northrop Grumman, places students in mainstream company activities during a portion of their regular school day,” explained Karen Goetz of Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Students in the HIP program receive first-hand work experience in a professional environment, which helps them develop marketable skills and assists them in the transition between school and work. According to Goetz, jobs available to the student participants vary from working in a lab to administrative tasks. “We offer opportunities across all functions, including engineering, quality, production operations, logistics, business management and human resources,” related Goetz.

Although exact experiences may vary based on specific job duties, Goetz stated that each student will learn about the Northrop Grumman corporate culture, attend a business ethics training session and learn how to effectively communicate in a professional setting. Students may participate in presentations, attend meetings, send emails and work on special assignments. “The HIP program has helped students get jobs on their college campuses and elsewhere. They are encouraged to include their experience at Northrop Grumman on their resume,” said Goetz, who also stated that participants must meet specific requirements and undergo an extensive application and interview process.

The HIP program has benefitted nearly 8,000 students since its inception, and in the 2011-12 school year, 42 students at 11 San Diego high schools participated in the program. In addition to school credit, each HIP student who continues their education beyond high school receives a $300 scholarship. “The program has generated a Northrop Grumman vice president in the Information Technology field and key employees in many areas including human resources, communications, finance, graphics and more,” declared Goetz.

The Northrop Grumman San Diego site was recently recognized as a “Distinguished Business Representative” for Poway Unified School District by the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs. “There are three key elements of the program that ensure HIP’s success year after year: Northrop Grumman’s commitment to the program, dedicated volunteer employee mentors and the responsibility demonstrated by the HIP students,” stated Goetz.