By Margo Dixon
Northside News
Madison’s Northside has a jewel many residents are unaware of. Madison Shabazz City High School (Shabazz) is an alternative high school for students with many gifts and interests. Shabazz fosters a strong sense of belonging and a dedication to project-based learning. It utilizes the surrounding community as part of the classroom.
Shabazz offers the Northside community a unique opportunity through its WORK IT! Program for students interested in gaining an internship and/or work experience outside of the walls of Shabazz. It affords the opportunity for students to gain experience in areas they may be considering for their future.
WORK IT! prepares students for the work environment by developing the skills to successfully engage in the business community. Each work partner will request varying skills, such as communication, computer and/or financial skills. The internships are monitored by the teaching staff, including completion of 180 hours of work experience to receive course credit. This helps to ensure students continue to develop their skill sets while contributing to the business for which they are interning.
The students have varying interests that may direct their future profession. The Shabazz staff evaluates each student’s interests before assigning them to a business, nonprofit or school organization. The program is meant to help students fine tune their interests as they move toward adulthood and a professional path and help determine if a future in the military or following a technical or college education path is desirable.
During the 2024-25 school year, students interned in a variety of settings. One interned at a bakery with hopes of entering the culinary program at Madison College. Others interned in primary classrooms, after-school programs and Madison area libraries. Customer service experience was garnered at a variety of retail locations including movie theaters. The students were also exposed to professionals in meteorology, radiology and steps to establishing a small business.
The students receive feedback throughout the experience from both Shabazz staff and the community partners. This improves students’ job skills and experience. Several students continue to work at these organizations after the semester as they clarify their future path.
Although many students come from areas outside the Northside, their sense of unity and connection, fostered in collaboration with community partners, makes them feel like lifelong members of the Northside community.
If you have a business and are interested in learning more about this program, email Erik Shager at eshager@madisonk12.wi.us.
