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Too many high school graduates just aren't ready for the workforce or post-secondary education.
- 60% of employers in a national study rate graduates' skills in grammar, spelling, writing and basic math as only "fair" or "poor."
- 39% of recent graduates are unprepared for the expectations of entry-level jobs
- 50% of students entering higher education take at least one remedial course; nearly two in 10 entering students take three or more remedial courses.
(Source: Achieve, Inc.)
However, studies prove that students do better when parents and other adults are involved in their schools, and when students see their education is relevant to their future. Many students don't see the connection between what they learn in class and what they plan for their future - if they have a plan at all.
When students have access to the workplace, they learn firsthand how, and why, the things they study in school are connected to jobs, careers and further education, and they become more encouraged to reach their potential. They try harder with a vision of their future.
Working with school districts and local employers, our School to Career initiative helps expose students to a variety of different careers, and opens up a world of possibilities for them. Students experience how what they learn in school applies to a business setting.
In Redmond, students are being encouraged to participate in at least one job shadow to experience first hand what an occupation looks like, gain awareness of the academic, technical and personal skills required, spend one-on-one time with an employer and have an opportunity to ask questions and make connections not available in the classroom.
The Bend-La Pine school district, their school-to-career program was expanded to all five high schools through a partnership with local businesses to provide a wide array of work-based learning experiences for students. Activities included internships, workplace tours, mock interviews and job shadows. Each student was expected to complete a personal education plan and participate in at least 16 hours of work-based learning experiences.
Students from Albany High School are visiting a wide range of local businesses, (17 employers are participating) and students attend weekly meetings with coordinators to connect their studies with what they will learn at the site visits. Program success factors include increased attendance, improved grades, and course completion for participants, as well as a graduation plan.
Salem-Keizer employers are working with the school district to bring real-world relevance to learning through work-based experiences, and strengthen students' workforce skills and attitudes.
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