When local businesses partner with schools, they don’t just provide jobs—they help students prepare for the future. By opening their doors to students, businesses help build confident, skilled young adults who are ready to make productive contributions.
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) WorkAbility/Transition Partnership Program offers students exactly these types of work-based, career-technical learning opportunities. Approximately 100 students participated in the program this school year, and they were honored last week for their dedication and success. Business partners were also recognized at the ceremonies, which were held at Galt High School (May 14) and Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School (May 15).
Throughout the year, the program arranged for paid work placements, community service opportunities, and tours of local colleges. Students participated in the “Budget Cents” program, sponsored by SAFE Credit Union, learning essential financial skills. A team from the program also recently competed in the CIEF Design Build construction competition, winning a “Craftsmanship Award.” The experiences helped students explore career paths, gain real-world skills, and positively impact the community.
Vocational Specialist Shawn O’Briant addressed attendees at both ceremonies, emphasizing the transformative power of employment. “We know that you have great potential and are capable of great things,” he told students. “We hope you make great choices, strive for your goals, have plans (and backup plans), and that you always dust yourselves off and try again if plans don’t work out.”
Joshua McCarthy, a 2022 Palmiter graduate who excelled in the WorkAbility/Transition Partnership Program, returned to speak to current students. “The staff and my peers here at Palmiter gave me the positive encouragement and motivation to push towards my dreams and achieve my goals,” he said, crediting the time management, communication, and customer service skills he learned for preparing him for the workforce.
After graduation, McCarthy obtained his Commercial Driver’s License and passed the CHP test to become a school bus driver. He currently works for the Natomas Unified School District. “Don’t let life’s ups and downs stop you from chasing your dreams,” he encouraged students.
School-to-World Award Recipients
All participants received a certificate, but two outstanding graduating students were selected to receive the prestigious School-to-World Award:
- Jeilene Garcia (North Area Community School Senior Extension Program) worked at the Grocery Outlet in North Sacramento. She has been offered a job as a cashier when she graduates and plans to attend a trade school or junior college.
- Kadie Reynosa Martinez (Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School) worked at the CVS on West El Camino Ave. She was able to use the money she made to buy a car, and plans to attend college in the fall.
Business Partners
The success of the WorkAbility and Transition Partnership programs is made possible through the collaboration of school districts and local businesses that give crucial first job opportunities to youth. These businesses not only train students and teach them job skills, but reinforce their ability to interact effectively with others, setting them up for future success.
- Ace Hardware (Galt)
- Clarksburg Community Library
- Comfort Inn and Suites (Galt and Lodi North)
- CVS Pharmacy (Club Center and Galt)
- Denny’s (East Commerce and Galt)
- Fifth Street Salon
- Fulton El Camino Parks and Recreation
- Galt Public Library
- Galt Rock and Asphalt Products, Inc.
- Galt Sign and Screen Printing, Inc.
- Grizzly Hollow SETA Head Start Program
- Grocery Outlet (North Sacramento and North Highlands)
- Howe Park
- L'Chayim of Galt
- Life’s a Grind Coffee House
- Movement for Life Physical Therapy
- North Natomas Library
- Northern California Construction Training (E.L. Hickey Jr./Sr. High School)
- Plush Puppy
- Rancho Seco Care Center
- Reece Family Acres
- Sacramento Food Bank
- SCOE Culinary Arts/CTE Program (Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School)
- SCOE Horticulture/CTE Program (Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School)
- Smart and Final (Northgate)
- South County Services
- The Coffee Shop Bakery
- Thornton Branch Library
- Walnut Grove Public Library
- West Coast Tint and Audio