SCOE "School to World" Event Honors Students and Businesses

Posted June 2, 2011
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Partnership Helps Prepare Students for the Workforce with Job Experience

Students and staff from Leo A. Palmiter High School, Elinor L. Hickey Jr./Sr. High School, and the LINKS program celebrated successes at the 15th Annual "School to World" Awards ceremony on May 31st.

The "School to World" program is a partnership between SCOE and areas businesses that offers students valuable entry-level job experience, connections with local business professionals, an opportunity for immediate use of their newly acquired job skills, and an active way to learn social skills.

"Your contributions on the campus and in the community show that you are making a difference," said Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Vocational Specialist Michael Laharty. "We continue to be impressed by the efforts put forth by our students."

County Board of Education Trustee Greg Geeting joined Palmiter High School Principal Lauren Roth and teachers in presenting awards to Palmiter and Hickey students for their outstanding achievement.

The Palmiter and Hickey campuses are operated by SCOE for students with specialized learning needs. LINKS is a pioneering Community School program offering career training courses for eligible students. Services are tailored to individual students based on individual academic needs instead of through traditional, scripted education.

"We are trying to help our students move successfully from 'school to world' by teaching skills and providing opportunities for awareness and growth in the areas of education, employment, life skills and community participation," concluded Mr. Laharty. "Today's awards recognize the work and training opportunities provided through our WorkAbility I program." WorkAbility I is funded by a California Department of Education grant.

During the awards event, the following firms were honored as recipients of Business Partner Awards for providing employment and other workforce preparation assistance to SCOE's "School to World" students:

• Auto Mobile Express
• Barnes & Noble
• Car Czar
• Country Waffles
• Dollar Tree
• Fulton/El Camino Parks and Recreation
• Goodwill Industries
• IHOP
• M & S Auto
• Old Navy
• Oxford Street
• PETCO
• Subway

If you are a business owner and would like to learn more about the "School to World" program please e-mail or phone Michael Laharty: (916) 566-2005.