Anthony Cook-Osborne, a Harrison High School graduate is one of 27 “signing” with Berry Global. He'll become a machine operator or fork truck driver.
He said transitioning from high school to a career path is a big step, but he’s ready.
“It'll be a good start because it'll get me ready mentally, physically and spiritually,” he said after taking some photos with family. “So I'm really honestly, I'm just ready to go ahead — chin to the chin. 'Go on start it up.' It makes me feel nervous, but I'm ready.”
On Thursday more than 150 Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) graduating students participated in the annual “Opt-In” signing day at the Old National Events Plaza.
Students who commit to jobs and training programs with local businesses are celebrated by their families. Ideally, this program prepares graduating students for a path in either the military, college or in this case, employment.
“We don't push kids in any direction, I don't care what they pick,” said Opt-In Executive Director BJ Watts. “I just want them to understand that being employed, being enlisted or being enrolled are all three are very good choices, number one viable-option-A’s.”
He said prior to such a program, schools were mostly suggesting higher education — but that has changed.
At the event were 50 employer “partners” including the area's largest employers — manufacturing, skilled labor, medical and also police and military.
Vickie Dawson of Boonville is taking a photo of her son Payton after he also signed with Berry Global. He’s going to be a tool room intern, working on maintaining and cleaning production molds.
“Oh, I'm so proud of him," she said. "He's enjoys it and I'm just proud he’s found something he likes.”
“I'm excited to finally get out of school,” Payton said with a laugh.
Before these impromptu photo sessions with their children’s certificates, they were recognized by name before the crowd of students, employers and family, who clapped as they signed for their news job or training program.
Watts said they work with partners that won’t just “hire” the students, but will also invest in them.
New Tech student Brenden Leslie already works for Berry Global, but will also receive full tuition for college.
“I wanted to make the money but I didn't want to pay for the student loans,” he said. “So they made an amazing deal with me.”
Watts said the program began in 2019. It has grown from seven businesses and 32 students to 50 businesses and more than 150 students.
The trend is toward career versus college, but EVSC tries not to influence students' decisions.
“We want them to understand, 'hey, here are my options. Here's what I'm good at. Here's what I like to do. Here's what I care about. How can I turn that into a career?'”