How These High School Seniors Are Earning Work Experience and College Credit
When Mason Ford leaves his high school campus everyday a little after 11am, he’s not ditching school. This plucky, hard-working senior is headed to work, but not to your typical high school job. It’s one that offers him great pay, high school elective credit and free college classes, all at the same time.
Mason’s “job” is the School to Work program, a partnership between UPS and Kentucky high schools that allows students the opportunity to finish their senior year while earning money, work experience and college credits through Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC).
“It feels like I’m finally growing up,” Mason smiles. “If I’m able to handle all this at such a young age, it means I’ll have a more successful future.”
Denacia Davis, like Mason, is part of the School to Work program. To her, the advantage of the program to was its ability to create a distinctive opportunity for her as a senior with no prior work experience. “When a representative came to my school and talked about the program, I thought, that would be nice not to have to take three classes I don’t really have to take to graduate and I can also make money.”
Instead of afternoon classes, Mason and Denacia work a 4-hour shift at UPS. Twice a week, they attend a college-level class taught by a professor, provided free through UPS’s partnership with JCTC. Plus, they earn a weekly paycheck and full benefits after 9 months with the company.
“Usually, I’m a loader, so I load cans throughout the day,” says Mason. “It feels exciting that all these packages I’m touching are finding their way to someone’s home. Plus, you get paid very well for a 17-year old high schooler.”
Denacia says she enjoys the social aspect and camaraderie of working with her fellow employees— “I get along with everyone in my work area,” Denacia smiles when asked about it—but she also finds the college aspect rewarding. After she clocks out of work, a shuttle takes her to the UPS Training and Education Center where Denacia is taking a college course on Public Speaking. “It definitely feels like college,” she says, “because they’re treating you like an adult.”
Through STW, Denacia and Mason are learning important skills in simultaneous tandem environments, in a legitimate work environment and real college courses. Says Denacia, “I’m learning time management, how to meet deadlines and how to work with other people.” They recognize these are the types of real-world skills necessary to be successful.
“It is a lot on your plate,” admits Mason. “But, if you’re a hard worker and get good grades, School to Work is definitely for you. You’ll have a brighter future, more on your resume and college credit.”
Mason and Denacia have a lot going for them thanks to the School to Work program. You can, too. Here’s a breakdown on how you can get paid while earning your high school diploma and free college credit, paid for by UPS and taught by real Jefferson Community and Technical College professors.
Who’s Eligible?
High School seniors with good academic standing (2.0 or above) who are recommended by a school counselor or principal are encouraged to apply.
What’s Next?
You have a typical day in some respects to your fellow classmates. You go to school in the morning, but after lunch, you go to work at UPS, typically between 11:30am and 3:30pm. If interested, you can enroll in a variety of college classes, paid for by UPS. From English 101 and 102, to Algebra, Basic Public Speaking, Business, and Humanities, these credits transfer to most colleges and universities.
In addition, the School to Work Program provides a pathway to connect to the secondary and post-secondary education educational opportunities that UPS offers: Metropolitan College and Earn & Learn.
The Perks
School to Work participants get a lot. First, you don’t have to attend afternoon classes at high school, which are often elective. Your work hours at UPS will qualify you for these credits instead. This provides you with valuable work experience which looks good on college applications as well as your future resumé. Don’t forget, UPS offers lucrative careers with multiple benefits, like health care, dental, and paid time off. Starting early allows you the opportunity to continue with a company that values you, your future and your education.
The classes offered through Jefferson Community and Technical College and the UPS Training and Education Center are free as long as you remain employed with UPS. This means you can earn up to 6 hours of college credit at zero cost to you, while earning a weekly paycheck. After high school graduation you can continue to take advantage of UPS’ work-college programs throughout your educational journey, which can help you graduate from college completely 100% debt-free.
If you’re a hard-working senior looking to get a leg-up both academically and financially, then the School to Work Program is for you. Talk to your high school counselor today or click here for more info.