Freshmen get schooled for the future

Later this month, Oak Mountain High School freshmen will get a perspective of what it’s like to live in the real world when the Shelby County Chamber brings its ShelbyOne initiative program “Keeping It Real” to their campus Oct. 24.

Workforce development has been a top priority for the chamber over the past several years, and this program is intended to teach ninth-graders about the future challenges of adulthood and encourage them to prepare as they get closer to independence.

“Our hope for the program is that students can see the value in going after additional training and pursuing a high-wage, high-opportunity job,” said Jackson Pruett, vice president of business development and support at the chamber. “It’s a way we can connect with ninth-graders and meet them where they are.”

The chamber brings the two-day program to both public and private schools in the Shelby County area between September and March. It works in conjunction with the career prep classes at the high schools and teaches skills such as work ethic, time management and communication. The program also discusses money and financial planning for life after high school.

On the first day, students learn the difference between gross and net income and the importance of budgeting. The second day, they visit 12 stations with income worksheets to pay bills that correspond with expenses such as education, second job, utilities, finances, housing, transportation, groceries, clothing and “fun money.” Local professionals from banks, law firms, realty companies and other careers volunteer their time to speak on their field of expertise and help the students navigate through the real world.

Oak Mountain High School Principal Kristi Sayers said the school is fortunate to partner with the Shelby County Chamber to provide this program for their students.

“Volunteers from the community collaborate with our Business Education teachers to provide real-life experiences for our students,” Sayers said. “Each year students leave with a sense of what it means to budget, save and make real decisions based on career choices and salaries.”

With programs going through 12th grade, students beginning the “Keeping It Real” program as freshmen are just beginning. Tenth-graders participate in Connect 2 Careers, which works as an interactive career fair. Juniors take part in Communication Matters to prepare for job interviews, resume building and other ways to showcase their talents. As seniors, students learn more about local companies and their apprenticeships through Shelby County’s 58 Inc., which promotes workforce readiness and economic development.

The schedule for other Shelby County high schools includes: Calera (Nov. 15), Montevallo (Nov. 22), Shelby County (Jan.17), Thompson (Jan. 24), Pelham (Feb. 14), Vincent (Feb. 21), Helena (Feb. 28) and Chelsea (March 20).

To learn more about the chamber programs offered to high schoolers, visit shelbychamber.org/about-us/shelbyone-next-level.

If you are interested in being a volunteer for a half or full day, please register now or call 205-419-3357 or email pari@shelbychamber.org.