Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 12, 1990 TAG: 9007120574
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: JACQUELINE JAMES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It's $3.80 an hour.
The students are in a program called Summer Cash, which is designed for disadvantaged students who are considered at risk of dropping out of school. CASH stands for Career and Academic Skills Help.
Principal Willie Waker says there is no other program like this one west of Richmond. This is the first year for the program, which is modeled after one in Henrico County.
"We are trying to assimilate a work environment, and in order to do that we thought we would pay wages," Waker said.
The students in the program are 14 and 15 years old and from Roanoke County, Salem and Vinton. The program was made possiblethrough an $80,000 grant from the Fifth District Employment and Training Consortium, Roanoke County schools and Salem schools.
Though educational, the program is businesslike: Students are to act as they would on any job. They punch in at 9 a.m. and clock out at 3:30 p.m. If for any reason they can't come to work they must call in to tell their employer.
"We try to make this real-to-life," Waker says of the program. "Employers will not tolerate being late or not calling in to say you'll be out."
Waker hopes the program will give the students life skills they will need in the future as well as help in their education process. "It We are trying to assimilate a work environment, and in order to do that we thought we would pay wages. Principal Willie Waker adds to their self-esteem. They are learning to become an independent individual by earning wages," Waker said.
More than 70 students wanted to participate in the program, but there was room only for 54. Students with learning disabilities were given first consideration. The family's financial status also was considered.
The students are paid weekly. They also receive free transportation, breakfast and lunch.
In addition to the focus on academics, the program allows the students to get a taste of the business world. Administrators set up three simulated corporations and allowed students to chose one they wanted to be part of.
The three companies are: Wood Crafts, which allows students to make picnic tables; Food Mart, which prepares snacks and luncheon meals; and Automow, which does minor auto repairs and lawn service. All of these services are provided to anyone in the community.
All of the money made by selling goods or providing services will be put into each corporation's bank account. At the end of the program, after all expenses are paid, members of each corporation are awarded shares based on attendance, production, attitude and performance each day. They can earn up to 120 shares.
Billy Graham, 15, said he decided to be part of the program because of the money. He is part of the Automow corporation.
"I like working on cars. I do tune-ups and fix flat tires. It keeps you occupied," says Graham, who attends Roanoke County Career Center, a vocational school, during the regular school year.
The teachers are from Roanoke, Salem and Roanoke County schools. Nine teachers and four administrators are on staff.
So far, the teachers say they are pleased with the students' attitudes, attendance records and enthusiasm.
Most students admit, though, the money is their incentive.
However, Jenny Chen says she has other reasons for being in the program. "I want to be here to make new friends, and I like learning how to cook," the 14-year-old said. Chen is from China and has been living in the United States for six years.
"We hope we can maintain or improve the students' reading and mathematical skills," Waker said. "We hope they become more interested in vocational education and decide to pursue a career."
by CNB