In the Work Program class, you learn real life skills that will help you in your future and you can even get out of school a little early to earn money at your job.

Throughout the year in Work Program, you are able to earn two credits (one for the class and one for your job) while learning things like how to succeed with a job interview, rent an apartment, buy a car, and budget and invest your money.

Mary Houk, a senior at Prairie Ridge, works at the Crystal Lake Park District and is in the Work Program class. She says, “the most important thing I learned through work program was the interviewing and the job search process.” She learned how to create a cover letter and resume, give a proper handshake, and even did a couple mock interviews with real business professionals.

Mr. Karlblom, an English teacher and one of the Work Program teachers at Prairie Ridge, believes that it’s a very practical and beneficial class to take. “Students learn valuable skills that aren’t necessarily taught in traditional academic classes and might not be taught at home.  They learn job search skills, how to succeed at work, personal finance, consumer education, entrepreneurship, and also have the opportunity to explore their career interests.”

Mr. Karlblom thinks very highly of the Work Program class. “I’d say it’s a great class for students who are juggling employment and school responsibilities, and for kids who are interested in succeeding in the game of life.”

Students in Work Program get to hear from a variety of guest speakers.  This year, the class heard from marketing associates from Chipotle, associates from Scot Forge, entrepreneur, Nick Sarillo, from Nick’s Pizza and Pub, and even the owner of the Crystal Lake Jimmy John’s.  These speakers discussed their various career paths, and the students got an opportunity to network with people from different companies.

In addition to these business professionals, representatives from MCC and a few tech and trade schools spoke about career paths and employment statistics and trends at the Prairie Ridge Tech and Trade School fair set up by Mrs. Steiner through the College & Career Center.

There are many students that don’t know what Work Program is. Many students, like Ryan Ruth, wish that Work Program was promoted better while choosing classes. “I wish I would’ve know what the Work Program was because I would’ve taken that class instead of filling my schedule with random classes and commons.”

Michelle Hristozova, senior at Prairie Ridge, loves being in the work program class and thinks it is very helpful. “If I didn’t take work program, I wouldn’t know how to do my taxes this year.” Everything Michelle has learned so far, she believes will benefit her in her future. “ It’s the best class to take in school. It teaches you skills that are transferable to the real world.”