LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. — Limestone County Schools has expanded its Ready to Work program to all six of its high schools. The program began at the Limestone County Career Tech Center.
“We’re excited to be able to offer this program at all six of our high school campuses,” Superintendent Dr. Randy Shearouse said. “We saw the key opportunities it provided our students in the spring and wanted to expand upon that.”
The program is an elective course to prepare students for successful careers following graduation. The curriculum includes life skills and exposure to multiple careers including high-tech, manufacturing, and health sciences. It also readies students for the National Career Readiness Certificate and the Alabama Certified Work Certificate.
“Most in this class are still unsure about college and what they want to do after they graduate high school,” said Story. “It’s been great to see them so engaged.”
District representatives say the high-school Ready-to-Work program is designed by employers so that they can meet hiring needs. During the first five to seven weeks, students receive training to improve time management, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking techniques. The remaining weeks of the program are driven by the needs of employers.
The credentials available to students are not automatic, though. These have to be earned. The district says that students must have a 95 percent attendance and punctuality rate, satisfactory achievement of work ethic, organizational skills, attitude, and motivation, along with scoring 70 percent or higher on all required assignments, and completion of Work Keys assessment with level 3 or higher.
“It’s our goal as a school district to provide our students with superior educational opportunities,” Shearouse said. “We hope by doing so it will inspire them to be lifelong learners and productive citizens.”
