Every student who wishes to participate in the Educational Adventure must work a minimum of forty hours. They apply for jobs that best suit their individual interests and they are able to find jobs that coincide with their busy schedules. In the morning, jobs include running a cafe for teachers and students, operating a school store, and selling school uniforms. Those students who prefer to work behind the scenes can usually be found in the mini-warehouse, stocking and organizing the products.

Students also have the opportunity to work after school. Their jobs consist of recycling papers, sweeping classrooms and hallways, selling concessions and preparing for the next day’s sales.

Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the different after-school programs that Kepner has to offer which include sports, drama, music and various clubs. Most of these activities run for a semester and if the students fully commit to the activity, they are able to earn ten of their required forty hours of work towards the Educational Adventure.

Being part of the Student Work Program not only affords the students the opportunity to earn money for their Educational Adventure, but also develops their work ethic. Students take on the role of “employees” who are expected to report to work on time, speak properly with the customers (regardless if it is a teacher, classmate or friend), and to do their job to the best of their abilities.

The dedication that these students show and their ability to juggle school, a job and outside responsibilities is amazing. At the end of their forty-plus hours of work, the students have not only learned an important life skill, but they walk away with a sense of accomplishment and pride, knowing that they earned their Educational Adventure.

The Student Work Program develops good work skills and helps develop self-confidence. Recently, one of the successful participants applied for a job at a national retail chain. Using his personal presentation skills developed working in the Student Work Program, the student indicated on his application that he had experience as a cashier, stocker, inventory manager, warehouse worker and seller. The personnel director was impressed with the mature looking student as a candidate for employment but had to withdraw the job offer upon learning the student was fourteen years old. He did ask him to re-apply at a later date.