Success StorySkills That Pay The Bills



Skills That Pay The Bills

Author: Heather Coleman

Planning Unit: Floyd County CES

Major Program: 21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)

Plan of Work: Youth Development

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The Floyd County 4-H Program believes that high school serves as a bridge for student transition to adult life. Upon completion of high school, students have formed habits they will carry with them the rest of their lives. One important goal of all high schools is to produce graduates who will be responsible, productive lifelong learners. By striving to instill a positive work ethic in our students, we will help ensure their futures as responsible, productive community members. Kentucky students have high rates of graduating on time from high school (90 percent), though students are not equally well prepared for the future. Eighty-seven of Kentucky’s 167 school districts with high schools got worse on this indicator from the 2015-16 to the 2020-21 school year. Kentucky’s economy depends on the youth of today being prepared for the workforce needs of the future, yet only 46 percent of 2019 high school graduates were deemed academically ready for college. (Source: Kids Count Data Center, Kentucky Department of Education website; downloaded 6-28-2022.)  These skills are vital for employment and cannot be learned overnight. The Floyd County 4-H Program partnered with the Betsy Layne High School, Floyd Central High School, and Prestonsburg High School to bring seniors and JAG students the opportunity to learn about ethics in the workplace, education and community.  Resume development, how to prepare for and conduct themselves during a job interview and what employers look for in an employee were also addressed. 226 high schoolers participated in the program this past year. During the program we strived to help the students realize that the job-hunting process requires preparation and dedication. One young man had this to say about the program. “I had no idea how much it really takes to get ready for a real job interview. After participating in this program, I fill like I am better prepared, and I also fill more comfortable going through the interview process.”

 






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