Work experience is an important part of every résumé and some South Bend students have an impressive list of work skills on theirs, thanks to the South Bend School Corporations INTERN Program.

The intern program works as a job training resource for special education students by allowing them to team up with companies to learn -- one such student, Clay High School senior Larry Hill.

"I do dishes, clean up the grill help the chef prepare the food, serve it and I help catering," said Hill, who knows his way around the grill at Indiana University- South Bend (IU-SB).

Bill Court, coordinator for the INTERN Program, said that, "If nothing else, it's giving them a chance to build a résumé."

The program, began in 1998, has grown to enlist the help of nearly 15 South Bend businesses such as IU-SB and the Hilton Garden Inn and allows job shadowing and training.

"This whole program couldn't happen without the cooperation of our business partners that really just step up and provide mentors for the students to work directly with," said Court. "Students get to see what it's like to get into the world of work."

Dan Senisi of the Hilton Garden Inn is pleased to have the students learn the ropes and says that area companies benefit from the partnership.

"They work just as hard side by side with all our staff," said Senisi. "They always come in with such a great attitude, just a positive vibe that they've given to our staff. Our staff as mentors to them get excited every day when they work hand in hand with them. So, it's an exciting opportunity for not only them but the hotel also."

"When you leave at the end of the day and you see these kids leave, it puts a smile on your own face," said Deryl Sawapsky of IU-SB, "makes the day go a lot better too."

The partnership can even lead to employment.

"At the end of his [Hill's] second semester there at the end of his junior year, they offered him a job," said Court, "which is just wonderful."

"I was real happy," said Hill. "I enjoy being there with them, they are nice to me and its real fun."

The South Bend School Corporation was awarded a $1,000 grant from Martin's Supermarkets on Tuesday with Chris Hawley presenting the check to Bill Court.

Martin's Supermarkets is a corporate partner with the INTERN Program.

The Program will use the grant money for hats and uniforms for the students this fall.

If you think your business would benefit from the INTERN Program, contact Bill Court at the South Bend Community School Corporation or click here.

To apply for the One School at a Time grant program sponsored by Martin's Super Market, < a href="http://www.michianaschools.com" target="_blank">click here.

Winning schools will receive a check for $1,000 and a new winner will be announced each month. Schools only need to apply once.