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By ALEXIS MILLER
MCHS Class of 2025
LEWISTOWN -- Nationwide, 30% of high school students have a job, many working late into the night, while also attending school. While learning the value of a dollar is an important skill for teens, is it truly beneficial for high school students to work, and what do people have to say about it?
At Mifflin County High School, Cooperative Education (Co-Op) is an option for high school seniors to come to school for their mandatory classes and then work to earn their remaining credits. The program is run by Mr. Fluke, the Co-Op coordinator.
"At the present time, there are 44 Co-Op Students. Usually by the end of the first marking period, Co-Op grows to about 60 students," Fluke said.
Each year, the number of students who choose to be involved in the program continues to increase, with more students seeking job experience prior to graduation.
"The Co-Op program is great at helping me balance. Fluke sets a 28-hour work limit, so we aren't working too much and still have time to focus on school," MCHS senior Elaina Seeley, who works as a certified nursing assistant at Valley View Retirement Village, said. Seeley comes to school for first and second period before heading to her shifts in Belleville.
Students must be able to manage both school and work to stay in the Co-Op program. Getting caught up in one's job responsibilities and falling behind on school work can happen easily, but the 89% grade point average required to stay in the program helps to keep students motivated. Teachers and guidance counselors work directly with students to ensure they are successful on the job and in their classes.
"The balance between school and work is something that I look at for each student, checking with guidance if grades begin to fall," Fluke said.
Fluke explained that there are many valuable lessons that working at a young age can teach a student, such as teaching positive work attitudes, meeting and solving problems of adjusting to the world of work, and opportunities for personal development, leading to a new level of maturity.
Additionally, having a job as a teenager can also help when applying for colleges. It will show that the student can put in the time and effort needed to manage their priorities, and that they don't lack dedication.
"Colleges like it when they see on a student's resume that he has had a job in high school. It shows that the teen has initiative and wants to take on responsibilities," said Bryan Johnston, a writer for Your Teen Magazine.
While some students choose a job because it is fun, or they simply just want money, some pick a job that will steer them towards the occupation they are wanting to pursue.
"I find my job very beneficial for my future of being a nurse," said Seeley, who has already been accepted into the nursing programs at the University of Pittsburgh, Bloomsburg and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Of course, many students don't wait until their senior year to start earning their own income. In fact, some work multiple positions, even while maintaining their athletics and extracurricular involvements.
MCHS Junior Jackson Flood is a full-time student. He is also a varsity athlete and works two jobs at a local restaurant and at the Lewistown Country Club. "Working as a teenager taught me the value of a dollar and to not blow money on unnecessary items," he said.
But while making extra money is a perk to working in school, there are intangible costs as well. Students can become stressed and burned out, saying it's hard to be a teenager while working like an adult.
"I don't really have much time for school activities," MCHS senior and Co-Op student Gabriela Lynch, said. "I actually had to quit volleyball my senior year, which wasn't an easy decision to make at all. Sometimes having to make decisions like these are good for you though. It's a taste of reality."
Seeley added, "It's hard trying to find my balance between family, friends, school and work. Being a senior and working is tough because a lot of my "lasts" are happening, but I'm working so I'm missing them."
As teens move toward adulthood, maintaining a job is a valuable part of their education, and programs like Co-Op make the shift easier. However, the duality of being a part-time adult while still trying to enjoy the final moments of youth can be challenging. Guidance from parents, school counselors, and employers is critical for students' success and well-being as they navigate this critical transition.