In an innovative move to prepare students for the workforce, the Winslow Unified School District, in collaboration with city officials, has launched the “Work Internship for Youth” (WiFY) program. Aimed at providing junior and senior high school students with real-world work experience, the initiative was discussed in detail at the recent school board meeting.
City Councilmember Jim MacLean and City Manager David Coolidge have been instrumental in bringing the program to life, setting aside funds to ensure its operation lasts for at least two years according to Superintendent Connie Gover. This foresight reflects a strong commitment to youth development and the recognition of the importance of practical work experience in today’s competitive job market.
Under WiFY, students have the opportunity to participate in a structured four-week internship, working 36 hours per week and earning both a competitive wage and academic credit. With 30 students already signed up, the program promises to offer valuable insights into the working world, while reinforcing the skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom.
Sal Hernandez, who is set to supervise the program, outlined the specifics during the board meeting, highlighting that students will engage in tasks such as grounds maintenance and assisting in the implementation of new irrigation systems. The hands-on experience is designed to teach students not only about the tasks themselves but also about workplace ethics, responsibility and teamwork.
The program is notably selective, planning to accept eight students per session over two sessions this summer. This structure ensures personalized attention and a quality experience for each participant. The students’ performance will be evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including their application, cover letter, resume, interview, time sheets, supervisor evaluations, and on-the-job performance. Requiring the participation in these business norms like writing a cover letter, resume writing and filling out time sheets, this helps students better understand what a job is like and certainly gets their foot in the door.
Discussion at the meeting also touched on practical matters such as insurance requirements and the nature of the work involved. Board member Allen Leonard asked, “what does it mean that they need their own insurance?” Hernandez clarified that they just need to have liability insurance in case something happens but if there are an accident on the job he believes that would still be covered by the city’s insurance.
The WiFY program represents a proactive approach to education, recognizing the value of equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed post-graduation. By merging academic learning with practical application, the initiative sets a new standard for education-to-employment pathways in the community. Hernandez told the board that the next steps are for students to officially apply and be interviewed but based on the initial interest there should be no shortage of students for the program.
As the program kicks off, it carries the promise of not only enriching students’ educational journeys but also of laying the groundwork for their future careers. With the support of the city and the dedication of the school district’s staff, WiFY is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of participating students and the broader community.
In other business, the board:
*Authorized acceptance of a $3,000 donation from the Clear Creek Cowboys that will be divided evenly between Bonnie Brennan, Washington Elementary and Jefferson Elementary.
* Approved the hiring of Grace Butler as an emergency substitute teacher and the resignation of economics teacher Drew Buckley.
* Approved the transfer of Margaret Sanchez from special education secretary to district office purchasing specialist and Coretta Agnew, a paraprofessional, from Bonnie Brennan Elementary to Jefferson Elementary.
* Approved the retirement of English teacher Charlene Gile.
* Approved retire-return to work requests from Debra Fulton, a first-grade teacher and Erick Petranovich, a high needs teacher.
* Approved two intergovernmental agreements between the district and Navajo County Community College district for continuing the dual enrollment and the Technology to Advance Learning Outcomes at Northland program better known as TALON.
The next meeting of the WUSD school board will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, in the meeting room, located at 800 N. Apache Ave.
