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Post putting teens to work for schools
Judy Scherer
Superintendent Judy Scherer
People packed the board of education building Thursday night as Fort Stewart officials and Liberty County BoE came together for a partnership to make teens ready to work.
Thirty-seven students (23 from Bradwell and 14 from Liberty County) were chosen based on academic accomplishment to spend half of their school day off campus and on post. Fort Stewart has agreed to employ the students part-time, equipping them with a variety of vocational skills for their future.
Fort Stewart opened up a variety of jobs on post, allowing students to work in a field that interests them.
“I’ve worked with a lot of work-study programs and this is by far the most exciting program,” Lisa Eason, work-based learning coordinator for Liberty County Schools, said.
She said two students will be working in graphic communication positions, four will get automotive positions, and 31 will work in office positions.
“Our business students will be working in positions such as clerk, marketing specialist, program assistant, telecommunications specialist, information technology specialist, supply clerk, digital photographer, computer technician, administrative assistant, education technician and receptionist,” Eason said.
William Jeffers, Fort Stewart’s resource management officer, said Fort Stewart is also excited to be part of this partnership. With more than 3,200 civilians currently working on post, Jeffers said, working with area residents is something they are used to and enjoy.
“It’s a win-win situation,” he said.
Superintendent Judy Scherer called the partnership a golden opportunity as she encouraged parents and students, saying the skills learned will help the students transition into the next phase of their lives no matter what that might be.
“I don’t think anybody can be more excited than me,” said Scherer, who is an advocate of work-based study and has recently been planning a career academy for the area.
“The program is indirectly related to the career academy — the career academy and the youth apprenticeship can each operate independently but work together to provide all of the aspects required to prepare students for the workforce — academics, skill training, work ethics and on-the job experience,” she said.
Another major perk of the partnership, one the students seemed especially excited about, is the pay. Students will be paid a minimum of $9 an hour and according to Scherer, the money is appropriated from the military.
The students will get also get class credit and will report to work only on days they attend school.”
“It coincides with the school calendar,” Jeffers said.
Students start work on Jan 20.

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