Collaborating with Business and High Schools for Workforce Development

Western Kentucky University’s Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO) through the Center for Training and Development together with the area Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement launched an innovative partnership approach to workforce development in 2004. This program is called the Work Ethic Seal program.

Recognizing needs that business and industry indicated were missing in potential employees entering the workforce, DELO collaborated with business, education and local agencies to assist in establishing a strong work ethic in area high school students.

Students who enroll in the program must meet the following minimum standards set by existing business and industry and the workforce development committee:

1. Maintain average daily attendance according to school policy
2. Only two unexcused absences during senior year
3. Only two unexcused tardies during senior year
4. Student records must be free of disciplinary referrals for fighting, theft, weapon possession, vandalism, arson or possession of illegal substances
5. Maintain a G.P.A. of 2.5 with no failures for any grading period during senior year
6. Must attend the "JA Success Skills" class presented by Junior Achievement (topics include: personal presentation, workplace responsibilities, interviewing skills, employment applications and resume preparation)
7. Must be involved in at least two of the following:
   • a) Organized team sport, organized non-team sport, extra-curricular programs (band, chorus, school clubs, etc.)
   • b) Part-time employment of ten hours per week for four consecutive months during the school year OR a minimum of 20 hours per week during the prior summer
   • c) Participate in a verifiable community project.

Students who successfully meet these criteria will:

• receive a special Work Ethic Seal
• be eligible for consideration for one of four $1,000 scholarships to attend Western Kentucky University
• be eligible for consideration for one of four $1,000 scholarships to attend the Bowling Green Technical College
• be eligible for consideration for one of four $1,000 scholarships to attend the Draughon's Junior College
• wear a special cord at graduation recognizing their efforts
• know that local business and industry endorse the Work Ethic initiative and achieving this Seal may give them a competitive edge when seeking employment

This program was introduced in August of 2004 with the senior class of 2004-2005. Of the 276 students who volunteered to participate in the program, 23% completed all requirements. Western Kentucky University awarded 4 scholarships in the spring of 2005 to area high school seniors.

For the 2005-2006 school year, 107 seniors participated with 59 completing the program and four $1,000.00 scholarships were awarded to area seniors. Additionally, the program was expanded to award one $1,000.00 scholarship to a senior in Simpson county.

During the 2006-2007 school year, 150 students enrolled with 49 completing. The 2006-2007 recipients of the scholarships are Josh Murphy, Colton Jessie, Jon Revels and Laura Espinoza. Western Kentucky University continues to assist in the expansion of this program by offering an additional $1,000.00 scholarship to Edmonson County.

For more information visit http://southcentralky.ja.org/ or http://www.bgchamber.com

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