Students of Williamsport Area High School's life skills class showcased the work they've been putting into a job-experience program through the Williamsport Regional Medical Center Thursday.
"Our goal for your child is to work on employable skills," said Bonnie Williams, life skills instructor, to the parents during Thursday's open house.
Students in the class were able to invite their relatives to an open house and show them all they've learned.
About 18 students from Williams' class work in the hospital's environmental services department. Students clean offices and bathrooms, prepare admission packets and provide linens once or twice a week at the facility.
Through Susquehanna Health's Volunteer Services, the hospital has given life skills students the opportunity to learn work skills for about 16 years. Williams called it a "wonderful partnership."
"It shows them the need for being responsible (and) being respectful," she said.
Students are not required to participate in the program. Williams said as students receive more experience, they are able to volunteer at the hospital two days a week instead of one.
The experience is valuable for students as they graduate and must find employment, said Jenna Miller, a student teacher from Lycoming College.
"It definitely gives them the confidence that they have the ability to enter the work force," she said.
Students are trained during their first few times at the hospital and then are required to "clock in" each day.
But it's not only work skills, such as cleaning, that the students are learning. Students said they learned how to be responsible.
"You have to be on time," said Macayla Desch, a life skills student, on what she's learned.
Williams added that students are learning social skills, as well. These skills, such as smiling and knocking on doors before entering, are important lessons for them.
Being in a "real-world" environment also is important, Williams said. Students may feel comfortable in the classroom and won't focus, but in the hospital they must stay on task. Williams called it a "classroom in the community."
"It's not simulated," Williams said. "It's the real McCoy."
Each day the students travel to the library, they take public transportation, which Williams explained is another life skill they're learning.
Not only is the experience giving the students experiences, Alex Reed-Divine, a senior in the class, recently was hired by the hospital.
Miller said students "love" the opportunity and many look forward to their time in the hospital.
"It's a really neat experience," she said.
