The Wauseon Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Four County Career Center Career Based Intervention facility to the area Nov. 3 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Chamber board members, officials and center representatives came out for the ceremony.
The CBI has 14 high school seniors in the program, most of whom are at risk for graduation, either through credit deficiency or lack of a job, CBI Coordinator Kim Kimnsman said. The CBI has been in Wauseon for 20 years, but the program has been in its new location at 122 Linfoot Avenue only since August.
Most of the students are from Fulton County, although one is from Stryker, Kinsman said.
Students spend their mornings in class at the center, receiving instruction in English, Math and other core subjects and then are released for the afternoon where they go to work for at least 15 hours a week.
They can earn up to two elective credits per semester with their job. They learn how to dress for work, be punctual and work hard. Some students receive promotions. By working the students will develop marketable skills when they graduate, Kinsman said.
Similar programs are offered in Bryan and Napoleon, CBI Supervisor Tony McCord said.
The new location is a single-story facility that meets state regulations and security needs. The students are housed in a single classroom.
Kinsman has an office with a window that allows her to keep an eye on the students when she is talking to someone, McCord said.
“It’s like the old one-room schoolhouse,” McCord said.
James Pruitt may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
