Mission: To provide high school students who have not yet passed the MCAS tests with the opportunity to improve their academic skills through classes that take place at students’ worksite and through employment at Boston companies.
Classroom at the Workplace
The Boston Private Industry Council’s Classroom at the Workplace program provides students who need to pass the MCAS with the opportunity to focus on both academic and employment skills that are required for success in today’s economy.
Classroom at the Workplace offers students the chance to combine work and learning into one program where they will learn both the academic skills needed to earn a high school diploma and the professional and technical/technological skills needed for long-term career success. Employers provide paid release time for students to attend class with a Boston teacher while at work. Classes are small, so students get individual and customized attention. Students then go on to their job assignment where they experience real work.
Each summer, Classroom at the Workplace serves up to 200 students, in classes of 8-12 students, who still need to pass the MCAS. Current juniors, seniors, and students who have left high school are eligible to attend. The program takes place during students’ regular workday. Classes are held five days per week for 90 minutes each day. To enroll in this program, students should contact their school’s PIC Career Specialist, who will work with them to prepare them for private sector work experience. Interested students will complete an application and be interviewed before they are hired at the participating companies. Many employers require students to be at least 16 years old. Some employers also require that students pass a drug test. All students who can demonstrate an interest in work and improving their academic skills will be considered.
Interested individuals who are no longer enrolled in school or who want to find out more about the program should contact Elspeth Benard at 617-488-1335.