Community
In many rural communities, young people grow up surrounded by hardworking adults but have limited opportunities to see what different careers actually look like from the inside. A program at Sleeping Giant Middle School is working to change that.
This spring, 15 students in the school’s Young Entrepreneurs class participated in a ten-week job shadowing experience coordinated by the Community School Collaborative. Once weekly, students traveled to local businesses throughout Livingston to learn directly from professionals in a wide variety of fields. Placements included businesses and organizations such as Elevate Montessori, Eubank Creative, Paradise Flowers, Livingston Veterinary Hospital, Glassybaby, Mountainside Family & Sports Chiropractic, Dan Bailey’s, Studio49, The Engine Room, and the Park County Senior Center.
Students did more than watch from the sidelines. They interacted with customers, observed problem-solving, learned workplace routines, asked questions, and began understanding the skills required in different professions.
In a rural community, programs like this may carry significance far beyond a single semester. Local businesses across many industries continue facing labor shortages. Early career exposure helps students begin seeing themselves as part of the future workforce of Park County.
For some students, it was their first experience spending extended time in a professional environment outside school. “One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was watching a local middle school student grow in confidence week after week,” said Jess Haas of Elevate Montessori. “By the end of the year she wasn’t just observing—she was helping younger learners build independence and practicing patience.”
Several business hosts were so impressed with the students’ work ethic and engagement that more than one student received offers for future employment opportunities.
According to Rainy Martin, CSC’s Executive Director, the program is designed intentionally around middle school students because of how important those years are in shaping identity and future goals.
“At 12, 13, and 14 years old, many students are beginning to decide what they think is possible for their lives,” Martin said. “If they never see careers firsthand, those possibilities stay abstract. This program helps make futures feel real and reachable.”
Erin Barcus, Program Director for CSC, claims the success of the program depends heavily on local employers who are willing to invest time and energy into mentoring students.
“These businesses are helping students see that meaningful careers and futures can exist right here in their own community,” Barcus said.
The Young Entrepreneurs class also includes hands-on business and product development projects. Community members will have an opportunity to support the students directly during the first Livingston farmers market of the season on June 3rd at the Miles Park Bandshell, where students will sell products designed and created throughout the semester.
Residents are encouraged to attend the market and meet the students, purchase their products, and celebrate the work they have invested over the past several months.
Community School Collaborative is a nonprofit organization serving Park County students through career exploration and work-based learning programs. Community members interested in supporting the work can learn more at Community School Collaborative or donate at csc4kids.org/donate.