It’s a sad fact of our society that some students don’t fit neatly into our education system. Whether the blame lies on the school, the parents, or the children themselves is up in the air. A new program in Milwaukee has decided to bypass the questions inherent in such a discussion and instead, focus on a solution. This solution is called “Second Chance”.Second Chance is a program for high school juniors who complain that, as one student put it, “I don’t like learning”. The program places these kids in a student/work environment where they earn a paycheck while continuing their education in the work place. In essence, the day is part vocational school, part high school. Students believe the dual environment gives them real world experience while maintaining the rigorous studies expected in high school. And in theory, Second Chance sounds like a great opportunity for students sick of the classroom. But that’s just theory.In actuality, juniors devoid of a proper educational background are placed in a lackluster learning environment. Thirty students are placed in the “Industrial Towel and Uniform” company, washing, drying, and organizing towels. The men and women that work at this company do a vital service, but in no way does this prepare you in American history, musical appreciation (if your school has such a thing), or even gym. As the owner of the company so elegantly put it, “We get workers”. And that’s what this program has become, a cheap workforce for those who fall between the cracks. Why not pair these students with successful businessmen and women? Why not send them to help a local elementary school, the police force, or the library? Let’s send these kids to a place that will reinvigorate their appreciation of learning, not somewhere that will hand them a paycheck and a dish towel to wash. Of course, these are the questions which will haunt our society until a better solution comes to fruition. Until then, we’re left with Second Chance.To learn more about Second Chance check out this video,
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