Full Breakdown
Expanding Career Opportunities for High School Students
9/27/2025, 12:43:23 PM
Job Shadowing Initiatives in Owensboro, Kentucky
Owensboro Public Schools has partnered with River Valley Behavioral Health to provide job shadowing opportunities for special needs students at Owensboro High School. The initiative aims to give students practical exposure to various job roles over an eight-week period. During an orientation session, students expressed excitement about the opportunity to engage in a professional environment. Cate Gaddis, Vice President of Operations at River Valley Behavioral Health, noted the enthusiasm of the students, highlighting their eagerness to start this new experience.
Student Employment Programs in Kimberly, Idaho
In Kimberly, Idaho, the Kimberly School District has implemented a program that employs high school students in part-time positions across maintenance, custodial, and office roles. Superintendent Luke Schroeder emphasized the program's importance in addressing staffing shortages in these areas. Students undergo the same hiring process as other employees and are compensated at district wages. The program, which began six years ago, has recently gained traction, with approximately 25 students currently participating. This initiative not only helps the district maintain operations but also provides students with valuable work experience while accommodating their academic schedules.
Career Fairs: ROCORI and Grand Ledge
ROCORI School District recently hosted its inaugural career fair, allowing students from grades six through twelve to explore various job and educational pathways. The event featured over 40 booths from local organizations, including the Waite Park Police Department and St. Cloud Technical and Community College. Nate Guetter, the Work-Based Learning/Pathways Coordinator, noted that the fair aims to help students identify their interests and explore potential career paths.
Similarly, Grand Ledge High School organized a career fair that attracted more than 1,000 students from surrounding areas. Principal Dr. Ken Wright remarked on the importance of such events in helping students understand the diverse opportunities available post-graduation. The fair featured over 80 organizations, providing students with insights into various career options.
Upcoming Career Fair in La Grande, Oregon
La Grande High School is set to hold its annual College, Career & Military Fair on September 30. This event will feature local business representatives, military recruiters, and college representatives, offering students and families a chance to explore career paths and educational opportunities. Participants will include representatives from Grande Ronde Hospital, Barreto Manufacturing, and various educational institutions, making it a comprehensive resource for students considering their future options.
Why These Initiatives Matter
These programs and events are significant as they not only prepare students for future careers but also address workforce shortages in various sectors. By engaging students in job shadowing and part-time employment, schools are fostering a sense of responsibility and providing practical skills that will benefit them in their professional journeys. Career fairs further enhance this by connecting students with potential employers and educational institutions, broadening their horizons for post-secondary success.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s really clear to see just how excited they are to get to come today and to be like a person who really is starting a new job,” — Cate Gaddis, Vice President of Operations, River Valley Behavioral Health
- “If we didn’t have these part-time students filling in, then we would be having to ask people to work overtime and stretching our staff thin,” — Luke Schroeder, Superintendent, Kimberly School District
- “What we try to do is take all of our elective classes and fit them into a pathway,” — Nate Guetter, ROCORI Work-Based Learning/Pathways Coordinator
- “It’s nice for some of our students to have some of those ideas of different things they could do after high school.” — Dr. Ken Wright, Principal, Grand Ledge High School
