Work study is a program that is offered for seniors at Greater Latrobe School District. Over 70 students partake in this. It gives the opportunity to work part-time while still attending school during the day. The time they get out is at 10:50. The option is only allowed for seniors who have enough credits to do so. This helps seniors with their busy schedule especially those who also play sports or do extra curricular activities.
Emily Lloyd work’s at the Touchdown Club as a food prep, food runner, and backup helper. Emily’s shift usually starts at 12pm or 1pm and that is when she does food prep. Later in her shift when they open at 4pm is when she helps out around the restaurant with trash, salads, desserts, and a bunch of side tasks.
She has a very strong opinion about this program. She exclaimed how much it benefits her in her day to day life. “I do think work study is beneficial because it provides financial support, relevant work experience, skill development, networking opportunities, and a balanced work-life experience. It helps me manage educational expenses while preparing for future careers.” Emily gets so much important benefits out of this program. Emily works around 25 hours a week and saved about $100 from each paycheck towards college.
Emily also emphasizes the experience she gets out of this program. “I think work-study gives a lot of experience. Like how to manage time, gain practical skills related to your field, and connect with people who can help you in your future career. It’s also a great way to balance work and school life making responsibilities a big trait to have for the future.” Emily loves being able to prepare for college and have time for everything.
Another topic Emily talked about was how she gets education value for her future career. “Work study can really add educational value for your career. You’re not just earning money, you’re also gaining experience that can help you in your future job. It’s like a preview into the professional world while you’re still in school.
Caleb Lehman works at Dino’s Sports Lounge in Greensburg. He feels that a work study is very helpful to him with such a busy time in his life and additionally gets him ready for the next chapter. “We get time to save money for college.” A work study is focused on preparing students towards college. Caleb is happy to be getting that dedicated time to work especially with his schedule being packed for football practices and games. This program is perfect for him so he can keep an even balance between it all.
Caleb talks about this job giving him real life experience. “Good discipline, more responsibility, and experience working with others…” A work study teaches you the importance of collaboration. For any job the worker is bound to have to work with another person or even take care of a person and this program helps you develop these skills.
Dr Bompiani-Smith teaches AP Seminar and AP Language and Composition. She also coaches the forensic team at the high school. She also believes that a work-study is very valuable as long as it is used correctly.
Dr Bompiani-Smith adds about the important experience you can learn. “Any job you can get those communication skills that you need, especially working with the public, working with coworkers, working with your supervisor, your bosses and learning how to communicate effectively in those transferable skills regardless of what kind of job you have…”
She emphasizes real-world experience and goes on to say, “It also teaches a lot of responsibility for your school work and still being responsible for doing your job. Just like you shouldn’t stay home from school if you don’t feel like going, you can’t just call off at your job, that’s not how the world operates.” Dr Bompiani-Smith makes a really good point. Everyone has duties in this world and just because a person “doesn’t feel like it” doesn’t mean they can just quit. The work-study gives them that feel of a real job-like scenario.
A work study gives you responsibility, communication skills, collaboration skills, money, experience, preparation, and discipline. The program helps students in so many ways. It helps them manage their time especially with extra curricular and college preparation. This is very beneficial to students.
