Dear Editor:

As I read the Register article on the new initiative to give young people and adults possible training, internships for careers, I call your attention to the work study program offered to seniors and some juniors at Boothbay Region High School currently under the direction  of Mary Miller, M.S. Ed. As I built the program in the last 10 years of my teaching career at BRHS, I would like to point out the three major goals of the program: connect students with the community; foster independence and workplace skills; and introduce career possibilities to students in our own area.

Begun under the administration of Joel Austin, I reached out to year-round businesses and nonprofits for a yearly or semester experience. A wonderful response from shipbuilders, retail sales, lawyers, the Register, Department of Marine Resources and Bigelow Lab was immediate.

Students applied during their junior year so their work study could be woven into their senior schedule for credit. They usually spend mornings or afternoons at their “business,” keep a daily journal, write regular updates and assessments, and prepare a video project at the end of their term. They are graded by their mentor and the teacher/director for earned credits.

Some notable experiences at Knickerbocker Group, Boothbay Region Boatyard, Hodgdon Yachts, Bigelow, Nat Wilson Sailmaker, Hammond Lumber, St. Andrews Village, Boothbay Animal Hospital have led to summer jobs, scholarships, college majors and world travel.

Please note this year’s sponsors listed in the Register during their Thank You Volunteers Week.

Exceptional mentors at these businesses and nonprofits have made sure that students of every gender are comfortable, have written references, and long-standing friendships have ensured.

With teachers like Mrs. Miller, Mr. Schwehm, and the science and math departments preparing future “techies” — this homegrown program needs to be represented when we look to educate for the 21st century jobs on the peninsula. And it’s cost effective! This is the firm foundation a new program can grow on.

Joyce Sirois, Ed.M.

East Boothbay