For many high school seniors, the final year of school is all about focusing on the future. The work release program offers a way for students to gain real-world experience.
Work release, offered by Fair Grove, is very different from any typical class. Instead of being a normal seated class, students are off campus engaging in real work experience and work while also receiving credit.
Many students appreciate the balance work release provides. By gaining job experience early, they’re able to manage their time more effectively, helping reduce the stress of juggling school and work.
To participate in work release, students must be seniors. They also must obtain 180 hours a semester for one hour off or 360 hours for two hours off. Students must also be dual enrolled in a marketing class.
Cayse Overstreet, Fair Grove High School Marketing teacher and the teacher in charge of work release, stated, “The goal of this class is that students gain the content knowledge in the classroom while earning practical and real-world training in the workplace.” She continued on to say that the biggest pro of her work is helping students through the process or having their first job.
From the student perspective, work release provides a much easier way to gain work experience while not falling behind in school. Brooklyn Pippin (12) said, “It has allowed me to succeed in school while also having money for my future after school.”
Beyond just earning money, students are gaining valuable life skills such as time management, communication, and professionalism. These skills not only benefit them now, but also prepare them for college and full-time careers in the future.
Jaelynne Hunt (12) explained, “Work release has impacted my school career positively, and it has opened many new paths.” Not only does work release provide students real-world experience, but many new doors to open for opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have.
Overall, work release provides an experience that can have many benefits, including hands-on work experience, new connections, and a better way to balance school and work. Pippin says, “I think work release is amazing for working students and I really appreciate the opportunity to be involved in the program.”
For many seniors, work release gives them a chance to step into adulthood. Work release can be one of the most rewarding parts of a student’s final year, and give them a head start into the future.
