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October 12, 2009

Building for the future

Corbin commission hears plans to start program at local high schools

By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor

The Corbin Industrial Development Commission heard plans Friday morning for possibly starting a Work Ethic Seal program at local high schools. 

“One of the things that you’ve heard me talk about is a work ethic program, and this is something that, in talking to our employers on a regular basis, that I hear is the work ethic and concerns they have for students coming out of school and... demonstrating the right work ethic in the work place,” said Economic Development Director Bruce Carpenter. 

Carpenter and Corbin School’s Director of Academic Programs David Cox traveled to Bowling Green Thursday to learn more about Warren County Schools’ Work Ethic Seal program. 

The program includes a series of seven 45-minute lessons which are taught by members of the community and business leaders. Classes cover such topics as filling out applications, speech and listening skills, the importance of punctuality and mock interviews. 

“What the college folks are telling us are the same things the business folks are telling us — these kids are not coming out with prerequisite work ethic skills,” Cox said. “They just don’t know what it takes to get it done. It’s such a competitive world right now, even simple things such as punctuality, and tardiness and those kinds of things (make a difference).”

To graduate from the Work Ethic Seal program in Bowling Green, students must have no more than two unexcused absences or tardies for the year, maintain a 2.5 or greater grade point average, attend all seven presentations, be involved in a sport or extracurricular program at school, maintain part-time employment and complete a verifiable community service project.

Upon graduation, students are given a special seal on their diploma and tassel at commencement. Corbin schools are looking to model a program after the one in Warren County, which also offers participants $1,000 scholarships to area colleges.

“I have to believe it would create a better product down the road,” Cox said. “If nothing else, it’s going to allow us to make an intentional focus on things we know our kids are lacking. We do a pretty good job, our test scores are very representative of preparing kids academically, but there’s a portion, to be quite honest, that we’re missing out on.”

Cox is a member of the 20/20 Vision Committee on education for the Corbin area and is working with Whitley County Schools as well about possibly implementing the program.

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