Co-op program at Hillsborough High School adds ‘real-world’ lessons for students.
By: Donna Lukiw
Dan Schulze, a senior at Hillsborough High School (HHS), wanted to learn about computers rather than spend a full day at school.
Dan enrolled in the co-op program at HHS, where he, along with 14 other seniors this year, attend school for half a day and then work at job for the rest of the afternoon.
After completing his English, math, gym and life-skills classes, Dan goes to work at J Tec Computer Systems, a computer repair and rebuilding center on Stryker Lane in Hillsborough.
"Like his homework, he’s learning about research development," Glen Jacoby, owner of J Tec Computer Systems said. "He’s learning everything here from sweeping floors to quality control."
Dan said he’s been learning a lot while working 15 hours a week at J Tec Computer Systems and he hopes to go to a vocational school when he graduates high school.
"I learned how to put a computer together, put the software in and make everything work," Dan said.
Before students go to their jobs and as part of the co-op program, the students’ fourth-period class of the day is a life-skills class where they learn how to "survive" in the real world.
"Class is very diverse," said Richard Teague, the co-operative industrial education coordinator. "We don’t teach a specific job. We teach life skills like how to balance a checkbook, how to buy a car, resume writing and interviewing techniques."
The students also learn how to properly fill out a job application, phone etiquette, and who should fill out job recommendations.
After the class, students go to work at gas stations, insurance companies, construction companies, computer repair centers or other businesses.
The school helps find appropriate jobs for the students, matching them up with jobs in fields they’re interested in.
"The idea is not to replace school with work," said Dr. Gary Rohman, supervisor of applied technology. "They have to go to school for a half day to complete their mandatory courses. It is not designed for cheap labor or to get out of school. It’s to make that transition."
The students have to work a minimum of 15 hours a week, but cannot work more than 33 hours a week. The students also get paid like any other employee. Last year, Mr. Teague said, the students earned around $90,000 in total.
"The work is referred to as a community-based classroom," Dr. Rohman said. "The student is there to learn, but also to get paid for their services."
Mr. Teague said the program tries to match the students with their interests and then places them in appropriate job settings.
Mr. Teague also goes to each student’s job and observes their work and talks with the employer about the student’s attitude and skills.
Although the program is open to all seniors, Dr. Rohman said you probably won’t find honors students participating.
"A lot of these kids who aren’t in these programs probably wouldn’t be in school," Dr. Rohman said.
He said the vast majority of the students in the co-op program continue with their education either by attending a vocational technical school, a two-year college or four-year college.
"You never give up on the kids," Dr. Rohman said. "That’s what werewe’re here for. We try to find solutions to their problems, but we never give up."

