Program gives local high school students a shot at landing a job before graduation

Seniors at three local high schools could have a full-time job lined up before they walk the graduation stage.

Burrell, Valley and Kiski Area high schools this year are collaborating with PNC for its PartnerUp program, an initiative where educators join forces with employers from various industries to teach students about viable career paths post-graduation.

Schools in the Alle-Kiski Valley that already participate include Allegheny Valley, Deer Lakes, Freeport Area, A.W. Beattie Career Center and Forbes Road Career & Technology Center.

Brianna McMeekin, program manager for PNC PartnerUp, said PNC partners with more than 30 schools in Western Pennsylvania.

Companies such as the Allegheny Health Network, Giant Eagle, Bayer, Magee Plastics, MSA Safety Inc., St. Barnabas Health System, Zoll Medical Corp., Zoresco Equipment Co. and 84 Lumber take part.

Interested career-bound students can apply for the program at the beginning of the school year and are selected to participate by the school, McMeekin said.

Participating students attend eight sessions throughout the school year where they meet industry leaders and learn about professionalism, resumes, the job market and available opportunities.

“It’s a robust career-readiness curriculum,” she said.

PNC incurs all program costs.

The lessons are held during the school day, except for a networking event where students can mingle with prospective employers. In the spring, PNC holds an interview day where students interview for jobs.

Such jobs at PNC, for example, include tellers and roles in human resources, technology and the back office, McMeekin said.

“We do that in May to get offers in students’ hands before they walk the stage for graduation,” McMeekin said.

Since 2018, 116 participating students in the Pittsburgh area have been hired by PNC. That’s part of 283 total job offers across all employer partners in the region.

Burrell teacher Darcy Holtzman said PartnerUp is something the district has wanted to be a part of for the past couple of years.

“It gives our seniors a chance to get not just a job right out of high school, but a career, mobility, growth, benefits,” Holtzman said. “Plus, it lets the kids learn about themselves and what they bring to the table when they meet with possible employers.

“As a district, we are hoping to get the program piloted here this year and watch the numbers grow over the next few. As a senior in high school, they get the chance to build their resumes, practice interviewing and learn how to present themselves as employees.”

West Mifflin Area High School started its collaboration with PartnerUp in 2019, and it has been a huge success there, according to counselor Jennifer Shields.

The program shows that entering the workforce is a viable option for students nearing high school graduation, Shields said. Some students have been hired by PNC, Giant Eagle and AHN, she said.

“It’s just as valued and just as justified. This is the path to get to the career they’re looking for,” Shields said.

She said some students have told her they only applied to PartnerUp after the advice from a counselor or teacher, but then grew to love the experience.

“It’s been a wonderful addition,” Shields said. “It empowers these students to not feel like they’re not good enough if they’re not going to college. They know this is an equal option and a good option for them.”