The Senioritis Solution: Co-op Cures Columbia Montour County
By: Amber Hughes, Intern of Communications and Marketing at the Chamber
As someone who participated in a Co-op program during high school, I can personally attest to the value of these experiences. Through my own Co-op placement, I gained professional skills, built connections with mentors, and acquired a level of confidence that has served me well in my academic and professional journey. These programs truly prepare students for the realities of the working world, and I am better off for having taken part.
In my case, I was not required to take an SAT to get accepted to college. I decided to pursue the path of cooperative education. In the fall of my senior year, I learned that I needed three classes to graduate. If I followed a traditional education track, I had two choices. I could fill the rest of my schedule with random classes, gaining more credits than required to graduate, or I could take four study halls. Thankfully, a third, non-traditional option became apparent -- cooperative education.
Today’s high school system is seeing a major shift in the education style for upper class students. The change taking place is prioritizing real-life experience above classroom learning. The co-op landscape focuses on providing high school students with entry level positions that set them up for future success.
Co-op can be the answer to the age-old problem…. that’s right, we may have found the solution to senioritis.
Co-op programs provide students with the opportunity to leave the school campus and gain real-world work experience with local employers. These programs offer a range of benefits, including reducing employer training costs, increasing company visibility, and strengthening the local economy.
The Chamber Builds Vibrant and Sustainable Communities
The Chamber Foundation recognizes the significance of bridging the gap between education and industry and is committed to connecting businesses and students to hands-on learning experiences.
Currently, six Chamber Foundation partner school districts and over 22 Chamber member businesses are working together to expand career opportunities for the next generation. The impact of this collaboration is transformative for all. Let’s take a look into three local school districts that are capitalizing on this flexible path.
Cooperative Education in the Danville Area School District
In the Danville Area School District, ten different Chamber members are helping students gain hands-on experience in their fields of interest. Geisinger offers potential nursing students the chance to work on various hospital floors, where they learn to monitor vital signs, collaborate with healthcare teams, and provide patient care. Another student rotates through outpatient clinics in both Danville and Bloomsburg, assisting with patient check-ins, transportation, and front-desk operations in an Ambulatory Clinical - quite the opportunity if you ask me!
Local financial institutions, including Journey Bank, Service 1st, and MC Federal Credit Union, provide students with firsthand experience in banking by teaching them how to assist customers with deposits, withdrawals, and financial transactions.
At Bloomsburg University (Athletics Dept.), students interested in sports management gain insights into the competitive sports industry, learning social media marketing strategies and sports media operations. Meanwhile, Bason Coffee offers an immersive experience in both the production facility and retail store, allowing students to develop customer service and business operation skills. Frosty Valley Resort introduces students to the inner workings of business management, golf course maintenance, and equipment repair. The Montour Area Recreation Commission provides students with an opportunity to learn about trail and park management while participating in pollution cleanup efforts.
Danville School District itself also gets in on the action. The school offers students the opportunity to work with onsite educators in assisting with reading circles, writing activities, and classroom bulletin board creation. Those interested in the automotive industry can gain hands-on experience at Steve Shannon Tire & Auto Center, where they develop transferable skills for a career in auto mechanics.
Cooperative Education in the Central Columbia School District
Central Columbia School District has 12 Chamber businesses participating in its Co-op program. Journey Bank and Geisinger offer similar opportunities to those available in Danville. The NEPA Vascular Institute trains future medical professionals by involving students in patient care, including taking vitals, logging visits, and assisting in minor procedures.
Skilled trades are well represented in Central’s program. Dent Plumbing & Heating and AR Sokol Excavating introduce students to careers in plumbing and excavating, where they learn about maintenance plumbing and machinery upkeep. Animal lovers can gain hands-on experience at Bloomsburg Veterinary Hospital and EOS Therapeutic Riding Center, working closely with animals in clinical and therapeutic settings.
Students with an interest in aviation are welcomed at Bloomsburg Airport, where they learn about runway inspections, fuel management, and radio communications. Creative minds can find opportunities at Exclusively You, where they participate in mannequin styling and retail operations. Bloomin’ Bagels II offers students experience in food safety, efficient inventory management, and customer service. Meanwhile, Bloomsburg Carpet introduces students to manufacturing processes, including packaging and material management. The well-known nonprofit AGAPE Bloomsburg provides students with the chance to assist in distributing essential community resources.
Cooperative Education in the Berwick Area School District
Berwick Area School District’s cooperative education program currently involves six students working in various industries. Three students are gaining experience in healthcare at Geisinger in Danville. One student works at the Columbia County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, where they assist visitors, answer phone calls, and maintain records. The Berwick Golf Club hosts two students, one of whom learns about restaurant operations, while the other works in the pro shop, helping golfers with membership enrollment and networking with community members.
The Impact of Cooperative Education
By partnering with local businesses, these co-op programs are equipping students with real-world skills that will serve them well in their future careers. Whether students are pursuing careers in healthcare, finance, trades, or nonprofit work, these opportunities provide invaluable hands-on experience.
One of the most impactful aspects of co-op is the confidence and independence students gain. I remember stepping into my first professional role, unsure of what to expect, but quickly realizing how much I was learning. These programs foster personal and professional growth that extends far beyond the classroom. For many seniors, co-op is the ultimate cure for “senioritis”, reigniting their motivation and showing them the value of their final year by connecting school to real-world purpose.
Allow us to Connect You
We want to help support this initiative, businesses interested in joining this shift in education are invited to reach out to Tonya Smith, our Foundation Director. Tonya would love to act as a liaison between businesses and school districts. Feel free to contact her by email at foundation@columbiamontourchamber.com or call at (570) 784-2522 By investing in Cooperative education, Chamber member businesses are not only shaping the workforce, but also strengthening their own teams with skilled and motivated young professionals.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community.
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