Program Bridges Jump from Classroom to Employment

Education isn’t limited to the classroom. When education works, learning makes a connection between the classroom and work world.

Whitney Hurt, special education coordinator for Sidney schools, recently reported to the school board on a program that helps students with their first successful job.

Nebraska VR offers grant programs to equip students for their first employment experience. The summer program accepts a limited number of students. The students start their experience in a classroom where they learn how to conduct themselves in a work environment, what to do if they can’t make it to work on a given day, who to ask when they need directions at work.

“The vision was to provide an opportunity for students of Sidney High School who either had never had a job or had a hard time keeping a job,” Hurt said.

Sidney High School applied for a grant in 2017 and again in 2018. Students were invited to apply for the program with a maximum of 10 students accepted for 2018. Hurt said nine applied and all nine were accepted. In 2017, the program had four students from Sidney and one from a neighboring community. Hurt said the first program was planned small to make sure it ran efficiently.

The grant paid for the grant facilitator, and four site skills coordinators. The program was at no cost to the District or local businesses.

The class time included what some people might call basic life skills, including a skills assessment to match students with the most suitable employment. Lessons included how to apply for a job and how a student should conduct himself or herself while on the job. Social skills were also addressed. Classwork also addressed why a student wanted a job, and once they have a job, how to keep it. Hurt said a lot of time was spent on keeping a job. The classroom portion also included addressing coping strategies and personal appearance.

“It was really a lot of training,” she said.

After the classroom training, students were paired with businesses offering job opportunities close to the student’s interests and skill levels. Hurt said the business environment offers education she can’t provide in a classroom.

“I can’t simulate a work environment that is really authentic,” she said.

She said several businesses stepped up and offered work experiences.

“Not only are we giving these kids an opportunity, it is something they can put on their resumes,” she said.

She said three students were offered employment by the businesses they worked for this summer.

“I’m hoping this program continues,” she said.