Students in the spotlight at job fair

Just a month away from graduation at Rogers High School, 17-year-old Kari Curbow already has a job lined up in her chosen profession.

Paula’s Playhouse Daycare in Spokane offered Curbow a part-time position.

“I’m really excited,” the teen said. “I’ve been working a lot already, so I’m ready to go.”

Curbow got her foot in the door through a program called Strive, in Spokane Public Schools.

Students with special needs learn about work ethics and job management skills, and they are placed at businesses for non-paid learning opportunities.

On Wednesday, Curbow joined about 50 students from Spokane public high schools participating in a reverse job fair at NorthTown Mall, another advantage for kids in the program.

While some will go to two-year community colleges, the students attending the fair are targeted as those who likely won’t go on to four-year colleges or universities – students who need help transitioning from school to work.

“They are students who need to go to the work force now,” said Linda Devlin, a Strive specialist at Ferris High School. “They are very bright and very employable.”

Business members and the community were invited to interview the students at the job fair and possibly help them with employment after high school. Students were judged on their presentations, which included photos, résumés, portfolios and accomplishments.

The students worked on the presentations during language arts classes.

Tim Trotter, an 18-year-old Ferris senior, had lots of traffic to his table in the food court. He had his résumé, letters from former employers, and photos of himself at his current job at Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts on the South Hill.

Trotter said he wants to study fashion design at Spokane Falls Community College. He wants to make clothes for “plus-size women.”

“(Strive) teaches us how to maintain and manage a job,” Trotter said. “The teachers don’t remind us to go to work; we just have to be there.”

Students also receive credits for their work out in the community.

“We’re trying to get kids to see the connection between what they do at school and the world outside,” said North Central High School Principal Steve Gering. “These students are getting a jump-start.”