It was a victory lap for one of the district’s long-standing and impactful programs.

Business and students came together recently at a year-end luncheon to recognize how the School to Work program is giving students a competitive edge when it comes to their future careers.

This year, 145 UCS students were paired with 140 business partners.

“I plan to pursue a career in medicine and this experience has been invaluable to me,” said Henry Ford II senior Rachel Samson, who worked at Clinton Women’s Healthcare . “My job has allowed me to see how a clinic functions and observe medical personnel interact with patients.”

The School to Work program pairs businesses with students between ten to 24 hours a week, depending on the job site.

Students work closely with business mentors to get actual job experiences they can build on at a job directly out of high school, at a trade or vocational program or at college.

Jordan Jannette, talent acquisition lead at Dominion Technologies group, said the program is a way for businesses to give back and to be on the ground floor of training tomorrow’s workforce.

“I think it is great to invest in the young talents and bring on the younger generation,” he said.

Janettette characterized UCS students as “the whole nine yards: they are bright, they ask questions, they are professional and they are courteous.”

The students work with the district’s two School to Work Coordinators: Janet Gendelman, at Stevenson and Henry Ford II high schools and Catherine Lelito, at Utica and Eisenhower High Schools.

Over its long history, the School to Work program has made the difference in providing graduates with experiences that help them land their future dream jobs.

“This experience will stay with me for the rest of my life,” said Stevenson senior Alex Viviano, who worked at Automation Guarding Systems.

For more information on School to Work opportunities, contact coordinators Catherine Lelito or Janet Gendelman.