High school students will be exposed to the realities of teaching by volunteering to work with professionals in Lehigh Carbon Community College's Sports and Shorts summer programs for children in grades 1 through 5. For students who are contemplating careers in education, this Summer Teacher's Aide Option Program (STOP) can introduce them to lesson planning, searching the Internet for ideas, challenging the gifted, and working closely with children who need extra help in particular areas of study.

Volunteers will neither be charged to participate nor compensated for their time.STOP is designed to provide an "apprenticeship" for high school students to acquire knowledge and build on it. Classes will be held 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, June 14 to July 2, July 6 to 23 (no class July 5), and July 26 to August 13. There is no fee for this program and individuals may choose any or all sessions.Each volunteer must complete a personal interview as well as write an essay (150 words maximum) about how he or she might benefit from the program. Essays are due May 28 to Barbara Platt, Lehigh Carbon Community College, 4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville, PA 18078. For more information, call (610) 799-1582.