The Aiken County Public School District is pleased to announce that applications for the 2018 Jumpstart Summer Internship Program are available now at all District high schools. Applications for the program will be accepted through early May.
Through the program, sponsored by Aiken County Public Schools and the Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG), Aiken County students will gain knowledge and real world experience outside of the classroom this summer.
The program is an example of the District’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, focused locally through the AIKEN WORKS initiative. AIKEN WORKS, an Aiken County Community Workforce Collaborative, is building awareness about Aiken County’s workforce opportunities, connecting high school students with various options to explore their individual future employment interests, and preparing Aiken County’s next generation of employees for the demands of their future careers.
“Through an amazing partnership with the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, we are able to offer our students an invaluable opportunity to learn and earn while honing their skills during an authentic workplace experience,” stated Aiken Works Coordinator Lafayette Stewart. “When they complete the program, we want students to be better positioned to attract and acquire future employment and become contributing members of the community.”
Rising seniors who are accepted into the program will participate in a number of job interviews, attend soft skills training, work in a variety of fields and perform many important tasks across the school district, including tasks benefitting the Facilities and Maintenance department, the Materials Center and Communications and Technology departments.
The Jumpstart Summer Internship Program is a partnership between Aiken County Public Schools and the Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG). The LSCOG provides Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Program Act (WIOWA) services through local workforce investment. These funds help boost employment while also enhancing the skills of local workers, thereby reducing welfare dependency and enhancing the overall productivity and competitiveness of the Lower Savannah region.
The Lower Savannah Region includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties.
Through the Jumpstart program, students will learn about the value of discipline, accountability, and responsibility, all while earning a paycheck. Students who have been accepted for the Jumpstart program are expected to arrive on time for work, dress professionally, and perform their specific job tasks to the best of their abilities. During the six-week program, students will earn a wage of $9.25 an hour.
The Jumpstart Summer Internship Program exists to show students there are opportunities for growth outside of school buildings while also encouraging them to start planning for life beyond high school graduation.
“We look forward to our students participating in hands-on, work-based preparation. We know this opportunity will contribute to their future success in any career in which they choose to be involved.” Aiken County Public School Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford commented. ”We certainly remain grateful to the Lower Savannah Council of Governments for their continued partnership and support of our Aiken County students in this meaningful endeavor.”
Students interested in the Jumpstart Summer Internship Program should contact a school counselor now for a 2018 application and additional information.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2018 PR JUMPSTART SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM