Union City Area School District is proud to offer a Diversified Occupations program. Diversified Occupations is a PDE-approved program in which students spend part of their school day working with a local employer while meeting their career goals and objectives for their future.
High school students enrolled in this program engage in unique learning experiences by working alongside local employers. Currently, we have students working at Snap-tite Hose, Corry Manufacturing, Splash Lagoon, Taco Bell (Corry), and Old Navy. Additionally, the program extends beyond traditional workplaces. We have a student working at our elementary school through AmeriCorps. This student is experiencing hands-on, real-world situations to prepare her for a future career in teaching. We also have a student working alongside Corry Higher Education Council and Gannon University in the Beehive Network. The Beehive Network experience allows this student to collaborate with various individuals to assist local entrepreneurs. Through these individual partnerships, students are able to learn key skills for success in the workplace through mentorship, supervision, and guidance.
Over the past couple of years, many employers have expressed the need for employees with practical soft skills. By collaborating with local employers, our students gain valuable skills and learn to be successful, well-respected employees. The Diversified Occupations teacher meets monthly with the student work site supervisors to gain insight into students' progress. When weaknesses in skills are noted, those skills are explicitly taught and improved upon in class during the school day. The supervisors of our students note progress and have many positive things to say about the Diversified Occupations program. Here at UCASD, we are incredibly thankful for the commitment and collaboration from local employers, which highlights the community’s support in preparing our students for the future.