School-to-Work program boosts workforce readiness

The goal of Williamsport Area High School’s School-to-Work Program is to cultivate and put into practice the skills needed for job and career obtainment and retention beyond high school. In partnership with local employers, the program places students in job positions around the community. To honor students who are involved with the program, an annual Community Partners Appreciation Breakfast was held on May 14 at the high school. Thirty-six students were honored for their completion of the program. Not only were the students recognized for successfully completing the program, but their employers also were recognized in kind (although unable to attend the ceremony in person due to COVID-19 restrictions).

Nineteen of the program participants this year were seniors, each of whom received a certificate honoring their accomplishments. Program standouts, seniors Victoria Dauberman and Aaron Smith, spoke about the meaningful experiences the program provided. Head Principal Brandon Pardoe, School-to-Work Program coordinator Susan McGehean and secondary special education supervisor Amy Wolfhope-Briggs offered words of wisdom and encouragement to the group.

This year’s program partners were: Alabaster Coffee, Buffalo Wild Wings, Christian Church of Cogan Station, ELECT/EFI Teen Parenting Program, Horizon Federal Credit Union, Lycoming College Dining Services, Pennsylvania CareerLink, Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Training, Qdoba, Save A Lot, Student Transportation of America, Welding Unlimited, Weis Markets, and WASD.