Wednesday, September 4, 2002

Atlantic County To Launch "School Counts" Program

The "School Counts!" program, a new initiative for area businesses and educators, will be introduced at a breakfast meeting on Tuesday, September 17 at 8:30 AM at the Rams Head Inn in Absecon.

The "School Counts!" program encourages employers to use a school-based certificate that documents student performance during high school. "School Counts!" helps students understand that school performance is important and contributes to a highly-qualified workforce. To earn a certificate, students must obtain a grade of "C" or higher in every course; achieve a 95% attendance and punctuality record; complete high school in eight consecutive semesters; and take more than the minimum graduation requirements.

The "School Counts!" program is a statewide initiative, presented to Atlantic County by the Mainland Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Atlantic County Government, Atlantic Cape Community College and the Atlantic-Cape May Workforce Investment Board.

Hundreds of businesses across the state are already enrolled as "School Counts!" employers. Participation is free to businesses and provides them with a valuable screening tool when hiring entry-level employees.

County News