From spending the day with a forensic investigator to working with animals in a veterinary clinic, students at the high school are getting a glimpse into life after graduation. Entering its second year, our Spartan Professionalism and Readiness Training Academy, or “SPARTA” is providing internships in dozens of fields across the Southern Tier and beyond. This, along with our job shadowing opportunities are giving students real-life experiences in a variety of careers. Work-based Learning Coordinator Rachel Murat leads the program into year two.
“I think it not only helps expose them to a possible career field, but it also helps build some life skills,” said Murat.
Last year, in its infancy, SPARTA, along with the work-based learning program provided 140 job shadows and seven full-time internships. From healthcare to law enforcement to manufacturing to real estate and much more, Murat helps connect students with local businesses or organizations that best fit their interests.
“Most businesses that we’ve reached out to have been very welcoming of this. Fur and Feathers on Upper Front Street has taken so many kids, and then we have UHS which has taken a lot of kids as well,” said Murat.
From the New York State Police to Levene, Gouldin and Thompson, students have spent time shadowing some of the most prominent and well-known professionals in our community. Job shadows are open to students in grades nine through twelve, while internships are exclusive to seniors due to scheduling. This year, six students are in full-time internships, with one of those being a paid opportunity. And the program is already finding success. Last year, one student was hired into a carpenter’s union following his time in our work-based learning program.
"I think some of them are extremely eager to find out if they actually like what the job does. It introduces them to the process of meeting someone for the first time, being somewhere on time, paying attention to details, all of those types of things,” said Murat.
If students do not have a way to get to their job shadow or internship, our transportation department is here to help.
“I think it’s really important that transportation isn’t a barrier to accessing something that can literally be lifechanging, because it helps you decide what you want to do or not do for the rest of your life,” said Murat.
In year two of SPARTA and our work-based learning program, Murat says her goal is getting to a point where all high schoolers graduate with at least one job shadow under their belt. High school students interested in a job shadow or internship can contact Mrs. Murat, scan any of the QR codes around the high school, or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGDTBSWGa6w9FPYyQoy-nNMf5GPlSF81uA_l3IjCNrDqqUXQ/viewform.
We’re excited to continue expanding our options while building up SPARTA in the years to come.