Cooperative Education Program expanding at Mifflinburg Area School District

Dec. 6—MIFFLINBURG — The Mifflinburg Area School District plans to expand its cooperative education program.

Alison Lorson, the non-traditional educational coordinator for Mifflinburg Area School District, and Suzanne DiPasquale, the cooperative education teacher, said the program started three years ago with two students, has five this year and 12 interested in next year's program. The cooperative education program is a field of study that combines classroom instruction with practical work experience.

"It gives the kids a better idea of what it's really like in the workforce," said DiPasquale. "With the internships, the students can watch a professional. With the co-op, it's learning and doing. They're getting paid and on-the-job training. It's very rare and it's a great opportunity for the kids."

It's been a slow build with business owners hesitant to take on paid internships due to the difficult economic times in the past few years, but Lorson and DiPasquale said they want to work with businesses, parents and students to expand the program. They are planning a parent night in January to present the program for juniors interested in participating in their senior year.

Eligible students are those who have already met all the high school graduation requirements and achieve a pathway to graduation. Students should have a driver's license and a reliable vehicle; have the approval of the administration; have good grades and attendance; have a positive attitude, be reliable, have good work ethic, be punctual and well-mannered; and should know what career path they are pursuing.

Students in co-op will develop skills, such as interpersonal, dependability and reliability, employment skills and expectations, safe work habits, demonstrate a strong desire or need to work, and demonstrate career goals that are aligned with the position. There is also a competency task list where students learn a variety of skills, including work ethic, resume building, submitting letters of application, job interview techniques, decision-making skills, conflict resolution, distinguishing between positive or negative feedback, health and safety, communication skills, legal awareness, consumer skills and more.

Senior Hakeem Haines, 19, of Mifflinburg, works at the school district with the custodial team. He cleans tables at the cafeteria, folds laundry, breaks down boxes and other tasks.

"I enjoy the program," said Haines. "It gets me ready for a job out there for me, like a restaurant."

Dale Rudy, the day shift custodian, said Haines has been a "great worker. We miss him when he's not around."

Senior Chase Schlegel, 18, of Millmont, is working with his family's business Schlegel Excavating Inc., of Millmont. He is working in the shop with oil changes, tires, engines and transmissions.

"It's more hands-on," said Schlegel. "It will push me forward and help me in the long run."

Seniors Kera Moyer, 17, of Millmont, Tamira Lantz, 17, of Mifflinburg, and Lindsey Benfer, 18, of New Berlin, are all part of the co-op nursing program at Geisinger. Moyer works in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Lantz works in outpatient and urology and Benfer works with medical and surgical patients.

"I've always wanted to get into the medical field," said Moyer. "I got lucky because I wanted to work in pediatrics. It made me realize how much I love helping patients and comforting them."

Lantz said she has always wanted to be a nurse.

"I helped my grandfather through some medical issues and it sparked my interest," she said. "I want to work in labor and delivery. It showed me I can get an early start, which is beneficial. It has opened my eyes to so many opportunities."

Benfer said family members who have been in and out of the hospital piqued her interest in being a nurse. She, too, wants to work in labor and delivery.

Moyer said she prefers this program over going to career and technical schools.

"This gives you a hands-on, one-on-one time with nurses who have been there their whole life," she said.

Lorson and DiPasquale said the students have three hours of instruction time on Monday. If they are under 18, they are permitted to work 28 hours during the school week, but any student over 18 can work up to 40 hours.

They have worked with HRG Engineering, Ritz-Craft, Gable House Bakery, Ron Whitesel Custom Carpentry, and Ax Runkle Law in previous years. They said they hope to expand to other businesses in the coming year.

"We hope to start great relationships with our community businesses," said Lorson. "This program helps with the transition from classroom to workforce."