Since 2016, Johnston High School students have had the opportunity to participate in a program titled School-to-Work. This program allows for seniors at Johnston High School to intern at different work forces across the metro. School-to-Work takes secondary education and crosses it with real-life career skills that can put a student ahead post high school.
“Even if you’re unsure of what to do, Ms.White and Ms.Bossum are able to work with you and find your best fit placement.You’re also able to earn 7 DMACC college credits which is huge. Along with work experience, you also learn interview skills which are very important in any job in the future,” Teagan Claude ‘26 said.
School-to-Work was started with the intent to prepare high school seniors for their post high school plans. Each year in February and March, juniors have the chance to fill out an application and interview for a place in the program. Although School-to-Work has become increasingly popular, there is only space for 60 students.
“I would highly recommend the School-To-Work program to juniors that have an idea of what career they want to pursue later on. I think having some experience in a desired career field is way more beneficial than just working a random job,” Brian Ly ‘26 said.
School-To-Work occurs in seniors’ schedules from fifth to eighth period. From August to October, Mrs.White and Mrs.Bousum meet during fifth period with students to get them ready for their placements. This includes interviewing skills, resume building and communicating with companies they wish to work alongside. By October, students selected for the program have secured their internship and spend half their day with that company.
“I work five days a week, however [West Bank] are very flexible and understand that I am still a high school student and may need more time off than some of the older workers,” Isaac Hartman ‘26 said.
School-To-Work allows for students to get experience in their career field during the day, so post school hours can be used for homework, practices and other jobs. School-To-Work placements can directly transfer to future career aspirations.
“I was initially an intern student at UnityPoint because I was under 18 years old and didn’t have my pharmacy technician certification. I just mainly shadowed and helped the other technicians pull supplies. After I turned 18, I studied and took a test that helped me to become a certified technician, which allowed me to do more things inside the pharmacy, such as handling and making IV drugs,” Ly said.
School-To-Work gives students valuable insight that may have been difficult to gain if not for the program.
“I believe it’s worth it to do School-to-Work because it gives you valuable experience in your desired career field before even graduating high school. The experience you gain from an internship attracts job recruiters and gives you an edge when applying for a higher ranked position later on,” Ly said.
