Community Service Outreach

Community service is integrated into this program for many reasons which we believe are worth the effort. However, it requires substantial time and coordination to correctly place students into formal community service. Normally organizations are not used to working with high school students and don't want to take the time or bother.This attitude is understandable, specially if the organization has had a prior negative experience. However, it is changing as organizations realize that a well prepared work force is beneficial to them and that schools can not prepare students in a vacuum. To change attitudes toward the positive, care must be taken to prepare students for all activities within the work force. A course developed by The Workforce Partnership on workplace behavior, dress, speech, attitudes and expectations is required for all SEPA students prior to placement. Volunteer job positions must be identified along with expectations for the students and assessments to verify that expectations have been met. These must be communicated to both the student and the workplace supervisors. Supervisors must be aware of what to expect and what can be demanded. Teachers, placement personnel and parents must be assured that students will be in a safe environment, protected from physical danger,abuse, or exploitation. Supervisors must be assured of support and aware of back-up alternatives should problems arise. Students must be aware of steps for follow through and follow up, and all parties must be willing to debrief. The goal is to produce a mutually beneficial experience that will positively impact attitudes of all involved.

12th grade (third year) expectations

Placement of all SEPA students in at least 20 hours of job shadow/internship experiences

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