Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Dawn Giles
Giles, Dawn
Business & Workforce Development Coordinator
Mesa Unified School District #4
Dawn Giles is the CTE Workforce Development Specialist for Mesa Public Schools, where she builds and strengthens strategic partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and industry leaders to create meaningful work-based learning opportunities for students. In her role, she coordinates internships, job shadows, guest speakers, and career-connected events that help students explore and prepare for postsecondary pathways. Dawn also tracks program data, supports districtwide College and Career Readiness initiatives, and plays a key role in designing effective, student-centered workforce development strategies.
Sessions:
5526: Using Micro-Internships to Expand Student Access to Industry
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Administration
- Interdisciplinary
As demand grows for access to high-quality career-connected learning, schools must rethink traditional internship models that limit participation and strain industry capacity. This session highlights a micro-internship approach that expands student access to meaningful, credit-bearing experiences while engaging a broader range of industry partners through short, project-based commitments. Attendees will learn how this model aligns student learning with workforce demand, strengthens industry partnerships, and supports pathways that prepare students for postsecondary success.
