Stockbridge High Alum Reflects on Impact of School’s Work-Based Learning Program

In 2018, Jamari Wright was a senior at Stockbridge High School, working part-time at a restaurant, when she inquired about her school’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) program. Operated according to state guidelines, WBL allows students to join the workforce and earn high school credits.

Wright had no issues enrolling in the program, but her school’s WBL coordinator suggested that she consider a different line of work.

“After she got to know me, she thought I would be a better fit working at Delta Community Credit Union,” Wright said. “I didn’t know much about financial services then, but I was excited to try something new.”

Delta Community is one of the local businesses that partner with Henry County Schools’ WBL program. Approximately 220 students, including many from Henry County, have participated in the credit union’s High School Apprentice Program since its inception in 2006.

Wright was hired to work as an apprentice at one of the credit union’s Stockbridge branches, where she helped members with various transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and loan payments.

Seven years later, she considers it a pivotal moment in her life.

“As a high school student, the world of finance was foreign to me,” Wright said, “but working at Delta Community opened my eyes, and I saw myself working in the industry for a long time. When the program ended, I even told my branch manager, ‘I’m going to come back.’”

She recently made good on that promise. After earning a degree in finance and management from the University of West Georgia, Delta Community hired her to join their branch delivery team.

Dr. Yvette Dupree, Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator for Henry County Schools, says Wright’s story exemplifies why students should take advantage of the WBL program.

“Through Work-Based Learning, students gain real-world job experience, explore career paths, and develop professional skills and work habits,” Dr. Dupree said. “It also provides our local businesses with a pipeline of motivated future employees, so it’s a win-win for everyone.”

This spring, local schools will begin enrolling students in the program for the upcoming school year.

“I would definitely recommend the Work-Based Learning program to any high school student,” Wright said. “It helped me realize what I wanted to do and set me on my career path.”

*The press release was provided by Delta Community Credit Union in support of Henry County Schools’ Work-Based Learning program.