FAQs

Do all Kolbe students go to work?

No, but all rising junior and senior students are encouraged to participate.

What are the advantages of work study for students?

Through work study, students earn money to off-set a significant portion of the total cost of their education. Also, students learn the value of hard work and acquire real-world contacts, experience, and skills which will help them through college and beyond.

Does the work schedule interfere with students’ academic studies?

Schedules are structured so that students work one day per week with access to academic coaches after school and most weekends. Our Student Success Center will be open to all Kolbe students to ensure they successfully complete a full class schedule and fulfill all college preparatory high school requirements.

Will students get to choose where they work?

Students are evaluated and will be considered for positions based on their particular interests and skills.

What kind of work will students do?

Most students perform entry-level administrative work with opportunity for advancement. Jobs differ on a partner-by-partner basis. Students are expected to meet or exceed the level of professionalism and dedication demanded of their adult colleagues at the workplace.

How are students prepared for their positions?

All student workers attend a rigorous summer training program before beginning their first work assignment. Students also receive ongoing coaching, performance reviews, and training from partners and work study staff throughout the school year.

Training includes:

o Basic computer skills and Microsoft Word & Excel

o Standard office equipment training

o Office etiquette

o Positive first impressions in the workplace

o Telephone and email communication skills

o Filing and document processing

o Confidentiality & ethics in the workplace

o Workplace safety

Who supervises the students at work?

An on-site supervisor at the company will guide and support students at work. Kolbe work study staff will coordinate with on-site supervisors to provide the necessary guidance, training, and care that students need to succeed in the workplace. Any disciplinary actions are conducted by Kolbe work study staff.

Can parents directly contact the company where their child works?

All communications must go through the work study department at Kolbe Cathedral High School.

How do students get to work each day?

Kolbe Cathedral will provide transportation for students to and from school to their job placements, if needed. During the first 30 days, students who have their own transportation are required to check-in at Kolbe Cathedral before departing to their assigned job site. After 30 days, students can go directly to their job site if approved by the work study staff.

When do students work?

Students work one day per week and working hours are to be determined. Our work study program runs concurrently with Kolbe Cathedral’s academic school year.

What if a student is sick or misses a workday?

In the rare case that a student misses a workday due to illness, the student will be required to make up the day (during a school holiday). No medical appointments or vacations should be scheduled on a workday.

Is there a dress code?

Kolbe Cathedral students are held to strict standards. All students are required to wear their school uniforms to work and must adhere to the dress code at all times.