COOPERATIVE EDUCATION is offered to qualifying students from all participating districts. Supervision, instruction, placement, grades, discipline, and evaluation will be provided by School-to-Career staff. Participation is a privilege, and an acceptable attendance record must be maintained. The purpose of this program is to provide students, before graduation, a real opportunity to acquaint themselves with the inevitable “World of Work.” They will be given the opportunity to learn at a training station and earn a wage, accept responsibilities, direction and constructive criticism, and to be a truly responsible member of our nation’s workforce.

Students desiring admission to this program must be at least 16 years of age and have working papers. BCTHS does not provide transportation. Prospective students must be able to furnish their own transportation to and from the training station, and must purchase accident insurance available in our Pupil Services Office. Seniors must also demonstrate proficiency on their PSSAs (or alternate assignments) to be eligible for Cooperative Education. Exceptions to this will be on a case-by-case basis. If a parent/guardian carries insurance on the student, proof of coverage must be furnished to the Coordinator.

To secure a recommendation for placement, students must complete a “School-to-Career” recommendation form. Students on probation must wait one marking period and submit a new form. If there are any problems, there must be communication between student, parent, teacher, and administration before a decision is reached. If a student commits a school violation resulting in assignment of demerits, placement could be jeopardized. For school violations resulting in a major breach of discipline, privileges will be suspended for one full marking period. Students will not be permitted to work at their training stations on days that they are absent from school. If the student is too ill to go to school, the student is too ill to go to work. School-to-Career transition programs will be customized by the Transition Coordinator to reflect the individual needs of all special education students. If needed, students must complete a physical education contract prior to School-to-Career placement.

JOB PLACMENT – The School-to-Career Coordinators will sustain an effective working relationship with local businesses, industries, trade unions, and PA Careerlink. Recommendations for employment will be based upon students’ cumulative records. A School-to-Career Coordinator is responsible for placement of pupils on skilled trade, cooperative work, and placement of graduating seniors, if appropriate.

INTERNSHIPS – BCTHS continues to support student internships which are direct business and industrial placements providing students with hands-on experience in the workplace and are designed to help prepare them for a smoother transition into competitive employment. Internships are an integral part of the school’s curriculum and the students’ vocational experience; subsequently their level of participation will reflect directly on their academic standing. Students must receive a “C” or better and have a good attendance and discipline record. Student internships are not financially compensated and are designed for experience only. A cooperative education placement typically includes a salary as well as experience within the students’ field of study.

For additional information, please contact our School-to-Career Coordinators:

For those students enrolled in the Creative Arts, Services, & Transportation Academies, contact Mrs. Pardovich @ 215.949.1700 x 2178, or via email gpardovich@bcths.com

For those student enrolled in the Construction/Manufacturing & Technology Academies, contact Mrs. Watts @ 215.949.1700 x 2218 or via email gwatts@bcths.com