Course Information

The Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program is designed to relate your college course to your career goals. This course will allow you to improve your work skills and build your employment portfolio, making you a marketable candidate toward your future career. Employers are seeking employees who have a strong work ethic, relevant skills and first-hand experience; all critical components to the Cooperative Work Experience course.

Resources to Help You Succeed

This Web site will provide you with forms and general information necessary to meet the course requirements. In addition to reading and completing the forms, you will be accomplishing several activities, including:

• Developing Learning Objectives and determining your Required Project.
• Meeting with your assigned instructor.
• Implementing your Learning Objectives while on the job.
• Writing a Self-Refection/Evaluation Essay.
• Receiving an evaluation from your employer on the performance of your objectives.

Eligibilty

To be eligible for this course, you must:

1. Be registered for a minimum of 7 units at Foothill College, including CWE units.
2. Work a minimum of 50 hours in paid employment per quarter to earn each unit of credit, or volunteer 40 hours in a non-profit community agency (instructor approval required).
   

Transferable Units

CWE courses are accredited and transferable as elective credits that are applicable towards certificates and degrees. CWE units transfer to the California State Universities and selected private universities. However, these units are not transferable to the University of California. We recommended that you consult with your academic advisor for specific information regarding the transfer of units.

Repeating the Course

Participation in the Cooperative Work Experience program may be repeated based on State of California regulations. General CWE may be repeated up to 9 units maximum. Occupational CWE may be repeated up to 24 units maximum. You may not exceed the completion of more than 24 units of CWE courses and may not enroll in more than one CWE course per quarter.

Changing Jobs

You may not change employers during the academic quarter for CWE credit.

Courses Offered

See the Schedule of Classes for details about all CWE courses.

Occupational Work Experience (Series of CWE 50 & 51): Courses designed for students whose current employment relates to their college major.

Students will be expected to write, complete, and evaluate a set of learning objectives within a planned series of experiences that reflect their college major. Participation in this course will facilitate the career and academic decision making process, while re-enforcing classroom theory through work-based application and learning.

General Work Experience (CWE 70 series): Course designed for students whose current employment does not relate to their college major.

Transferable skills are gained under actual working conditions. Develop an understanding, appreciation and respect for working, peer interaction, and an awareness of cultural/global diversity and generational differences in the work environment. Through work-related assignments and participating in on-campus activities, students are assisted in the process of developing a concept of self, understanding roles in the work environment, and setting realistic goals within their present occupation.

Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) Program enrollment follows all rules and regulations set forth by the Foothill College Catalog. Please see Apply and Register for information regarding adding or dropping the course. Lack of compliance with these regulations will result in a failing grade. CWE courses are letter graded and CSU transferable.