Every business in North Carolina now has a chance to help students stay in school.
First Gentleman Bob Eaves has announced his Students@Work initiative. This state-wide program is scheduled for the week of Jan. 31 to Feb. 4. The goal is for North Carolina businesses to help middle school students see the opportunities that exist in the workplace.
The project seeks to motivate students at a crucial time for dropout prevention by demonstrating the relevance of a complete education to future success.
“North Carolina high schools have a dropout rate of twenty-nine percent. When our students drop out, we all lose,” Mr. Eaves said. ”We need to motivate these kids and show them that there is a bright future.”
The dropout rate isn’t just a problem for our schools and our students; it’s a problem for our businesses, too. By talking with students, businesses can motivate and engage potential employees and build relationships within their communities. There is as much to gain by participating in Students@Work as our children have to lose.
There are two ways to become involved. Businesses can host students at their workplace or give presentations in the schools. Through job shadowing and on-site interactions, students can learn about the kinds of opportunities await them when they enter the workforce. For those businesses where on-site safety is an issue for students, sending representatives to make in-school presentations still offers great benefits.
To participate in Students@Work find your local school coordinator at www.studentsatwork.ncbce.org. The coordinators will arrange transportation, obtain release forms, and do whatever else is necessary.