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Student work crew at Sosa earns wages, skills through Project Youth Plus; trustees hear participant testimony
Summary
Sosa's student work crew — supported by Project Youth Plus — provides paid work, mentorship and graduation credit; presenters reported $32,477 in wages to students and several students described skill-building and savings for future training.
At the March 11 board meeting, Sosa Principal Mike Kerszwog and program staff presented the school’s work-crew program, which pairs students with paid community and on-site jobs and provides mentorship and transportation through a Project Youth Plus grant.
Kerszwog explained the program mechanics: students apply, interview, and if selected are eligible for paid work (some can receive up to 130 hours for half a graduation credit). He credited Project Youth Plus for funding wages and boots and for providing transportation. Kerszwog said the program helps students gain work ethic and offers structured time outside the classroom.
Program leads and participants described outcomes in the presenters’ own words. The board heard from a lead staff member, Vince, who said the program had been “a blessing” and described student growth and increased participation. A student, Saul, said the program taught practical skills — cutting trees, building trails — and allowed him to save toward technical training; staff explained that Project Youth Plus matches student savings with a bonus ("they throw in $10,000 for a total of $12,000" in a specific savings example discussed on the record). Program leaders reported total wages paid to students so far of $32,477.
Work-crew staff said students have worked on community projects including reforestation, trail-building and a shared flower garden, and that participants sometimes earn credit toward graduation. Students described improved responsibility, time management and knowledge of fire ecology and plant species.
Board members acknowledged the program and the community partners (including Project Youth Plus and Southern Oregon partners) and took a picture with the students after the presentation. Trustees did not take formal action on this item; the spotlight was presented as an informational item.
Speakers encouraged trustees and community members to visit Sosa to observe the work crew in action and noted the program’s role in workforce exposure and youth mentoring.
