Imagine being a high school student and having the opportunity to earn some money, all while learning some vital real-world skills. That’s a reality for some Edwards-Knox students.
 
The Edwards-Knox Central School Student Employment Program allows juniors and seniors the opportunity to apply for certain part-time positions within the district.
 
Students can apply for cafeteria monitor and fitness center monitor roles. They work during their free periods during the school day and are paid New York’s minimum wage of $14.20 per hour.
 
Madelyn Rowley, a senior at Edwards-Knox, is one of the employed students.
 
Rowely said she needed to make some money during the winter months and working as a Fitness Center monitor fit into her schedule.
 
“[This opportunity] gives me the chance to make some money during the school day and not have to worry about a long drive or working after school or on weekends,” said Rowley. “It is convenient for me with my busy schedule!”
 
Other employed students praised the program for its ability to help them reach their goals — everything from saving up for a car to saving up for college.

Eliminating barriers

Edwards-Knox Central School District Superintendent Erin Woods said this program helps fill an employment opportunity gap for students.
 
Transportation to a job can often be a barrier for Edwards-Knox students since the school district is based in a remote location.
 
“The Student Employment Program allows students in good academic standing to work during their study halls to learn responsibility, how to take initiative, being personable, how to manage conflict, appropriate presentation and attire, among other things,” she said.

Real application and hiring process

Interested students must go through the same application and hiring process as any other person looking to apply for a position with the school district. They must complete an application, submit a resume and be interviewed by a district hiring committee.
 
“In the end, this is all about education,” said Jen Hotaling, the district’s community schools coordinator. “Whether they know it or not, the students are learning something.”
 
Hotaling assembles the schedule for student employees, ensuring that the workload is evenly distributed and that it does not conflict with their academics.
 
“We had a weeklong lesson focusing on time clocks,” said Hotaling. “The students needed to learn the importance of clocking in at the beginning of their shift and clocking out at the end.”

Providing opportunities to learn soft skills, become a role model

The program began during the 2021-22 school year.
 
Woods said the program was initially developed with help from High School Principal Amy Sykes. The goal was to encourage high school students to be good role models for younger students while also giving them the opportunity to learn the soft skills needed to be a successful employee.
 
The initial rollout of the program began with positions in the cafeteria.
 
“Especially in the lower grades, many students need help with opening their milk cartons or other food packaging,” Hotaling said. “While we still have adults supervising at lunchtime, having extra sets of hands is very helpful.”
 
At the start of the 2022-23 school year, the district realized it would be beneficial to give students the opportunity to work in the school’s fitness center. In doing so, the Fitness Center’s hours could be expanded, giving Edwards-Knox students the ability to work out during study halls.

Stronger relationships

Now more than a year into the program, Woods has noticed a difference in how younger and older students interact.
 
“It's heartwarming to see some of our elementary students attend basketball games for their cafeteria monitor or to see the excitement of our students when they cross paths in the hallway,” said Woods. “The positive relationships and mentorship are really exciting to watch.”

‘Plenty of interest’

Hotaling said there has been plenty of interest among prospective student employees. Many sophomore students have already expressed interest in applying for a position when they become juniors next year.
 
“We have great kids in this building, and I hope this program continues to grow,” said Hotaling.