In Their Own Words: Student Perspectives on School-To-Work Opportunities

Authors

Kevin M. Hollenbeck, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment ResearchFollow

Publication Date

1996

Abstract

Focus group interviews were held with approximately 60 of the several hundred high school students who are participating in school-to-work transition programs offered through the Kalamazoo County (Michigan) Education for Employment (EFE) consortium, The 10 focus groups held involved 5-8 students each and were distributed across program types as follows: 3 school-based programs; 4 worksite-based classroom programs; 1 workforce entry; 1business/industry worksite trainIng; and 1 apprenticeship. The students were quite satisfied with their EFE program and credited it with helping them do the following: learn more effectively; formulate and work toward post secondary education plans; formulate career interests; acquire employability and personal development skills; and obtain desirable part-time employment. The students also identified problems and challenges in the following areas: scheduling and transportation; educational content of work experiences; lack of challenge in coursework: and inadequate publicity and outreach to students.

Publisher

Academy for Educational Development

Sponsorship

U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Office of Research, Contract No. RR91172012

Subject Areas

EDUCATION; K-12 Education; Postsecondary education; Career and technical education