Program Energizes Students for Study, Jobs

1/16/2009
By Elliot Mann
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN

Through a collaboration with the business sector and Rochester schools, Katie Megerian found out her mother's official job title: cardiometabolic health science liaison.

The sixth-grader has also learned what it takes to become one.

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, Workforce 2020 coalition and Rochester school district have embarked on a three-year, $150,000 effort called "Learn. Do. Earn." The program uses electronic presentations to bolster student interest in careers, more rigorous school work, financial literacy and a strong work ethic.

The money funds online presentations, teacher training, and posters and fliers, said Jess Ihrke, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce vice-president for work force and education.

"The great thing about it is it doesn't really add a lot to a teacher's plate," she said. "It enhances what they are already saying."

One recent assignment asked students to interview their parents about their jobs and write a paper about the experience based off a class presentation the students watched. Megerian, 14, asked her mother and father about their careers, middle-school grades and classroom aptitude.

"It makes class more interesting; it's something different," the sixth-grader said. "Now we know what we have to do to get good jobs."

Willow Creek Middle School teacher Steve Myhro has been using the program this year and says it speaks to competition in the job market and pushes students to enroll in tougher math and science classes.
The business community traditionally doesn't take such a direct role in education.

"They are the people (students) will be applying to for jobs," Myhro said. "That really hit home to a lot of (students)."

Students at Willow Creek and Mayo High School are test sites this year. Plans are to spread Learn.Do.Earn. to the rest of Rochester schools next year and then to private and area public schools in 2010-2011.

The program launched in New Jersey in 2006 through a chamber of commerce foundation. Five states have implemented the program. Rochester is the only individual community, according to Rochester chamber staff.