Lower Kuskokwim School District Summer Work Program

2020 marks the fourth year of the Summer Work Program. Sponsored by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Summer Work Program provides paid work experience and instruction to develop work readiness and independent life skills. The program is run in multiple locations across Alaska by school districts and community organizations. Students ages 14-21 who have a barrier to obtaining employment are eligible. The Lower Kuskokwim School District (LKSD) Summer Program typically enrolls 25 students and two peer mentors each year, but this year was able to expand to 35 students.

The Summer Work Program includes 15 hours of instruction that cover soft skills such as punctuality, communication, teamwork, professionalism, initiative, and attitude. Students are able to tour potential employment locations and conduct mock interviews. Once students are placed at worksites, instructors provide weekly “learning lunches” to review positive work behaviors.

Students are placed at worksites in various business in Bethel. Employment opportunities have included local grocery stores, the local airline, the Bethel 4-H Youth Center, the movie theater, library, a hotel, farm, and the city port authority. Last year five students retained their employment after the Summer Work Program ended. This year there are job offers for sixteen students – and ten have completed paperwork to retain employment beyond the summer.

Watch this video about the LKSD Summer Work Program to learn more.

Thank you, LKSD, for providing the opportunity for students to gain valuable life skills and job experience!