Arkansas Scholars 10 th Grade Presentation Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce

Arkansas Scholars What is it? It’s a program that challenges you to prepare for success. Minimum Requirements: –Take the Smart Core curriculum… –Make a grade of “C” or better in all your course work during high school… –Attend class 95% of the time or more… –Graduate from high school in eight (8) consecutive semesters

What’s in it for you? More choices for education beyond high school More opportunities for a good job More money for greater buying power More control over your future

What’s in it for you? Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) Students who are Pell Grant eligible U.S. Citizens enrolled full-time and have participated in a rigorous high school course of study, like the Smart Core, may qualify for: –Up to $750 for first year college students –Up to $1,300 for second year college students Check “State Scholar Graduate” on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply.

Global Competition U.S. students spend about 180 days a year in schoolU.S. students spend about 180 days a year in school Other nations’ students spend up to 240 days a year in schoolOther nations’ students spend up to 240 days a year in school

Are you employable? We will take a look at some good work habits.

Good Work Habits Tips that can help you build a good work record and a strong résumé. We encourage you to write these work habits down and apply them for a successful future. Note: This information was taken in part from the video series “Work Habits for the Beginner” a production of Huby’s, Ltd., Copyright 1995.

Good Work Habits are a Key to Success 1.Be ON TIME 2.Dress appropriately for the workplace 3.Get along with others 4.Have a good attitude 5.Listen carefully & follow directions

Good Work Habits are a Key to Success 6.Take the job seriously 7.Be dependable & trustworthy 8.Keep busy on the job 9.Take criticism well 10.Maintain a professional image

Be On Time Showing up for work on time is critical. If you are going to arrive late you should contact your supervisor IMMEDIATELY.

Be On Time You should be ready/prepared to work upon your arrival. Being on time shows your supervisor that you are dedicated to your job.

Dress Appropriately What you wear in your home may not be acceptable for you to wear at your job. You should always dress to the expectations of your customers and your supervisor. Inappropriate work attire suggests that you don’t care about your job.

Examples of Appropriate Dress When Interviewing or in the Workplace - Clothes should fit well, be clean, and be neatly pressed… - Avoid wearing to much cologne or perfume… - Men – Remove earrings before an interview… - Women – Avoid showy jewelry and makeup… Note: The information was taken from NEASHRM Workforce Readiness booklet.

Get Along With Others More than likely you will have co-workers with whom you will interact on a daily basis. You and your co-workers may often work together as a team. You should treat your co-workers with respect and be sure to carry your share of the work load.

Get Along With Others Cooperating with your co-workers will help you achieve your goals at work. Getting along with others shows that you are mature and in return you will gain the respect of others.

Have a Good Attitude A good attitude shows your supervisor and your co-workers that you care about your job. Have respect for your job regardless of how long you may be employed there.

Have A Good Attitude A good attitude can benefit the business that you work for and leaves a great impression of your abilities. This can lead to favorable references and help to advance your career.

Listen Carefully & Follow Directions In order to follow directions correctly you must listen carefully. Listening is an acquired skill. Pay attention to the person while they are speaking and ask questions if you need to clarify information.

Be Dependable & Trustworthy Employers are looking for workers they can depend on and trust. –What’s in it for you: You may receive promotions and roles with greater responsibility. You may receive greater pay increases. Try to do your best in everything you do. This shows your supervisor that he or she can count on you to get the job done.

Take the Job Seriously Show your supervisor that you are ready and willing to work and do your best. This will make you a coveted employee. While at work you should not be goofing off or appear to be daydreaming.

Keep Busy on the Job Even if you finish tasks quickly, there is always work to be done. Always ask your supervisor or co-workers if there is anything you can do to help. Taking initiative will show that you are hard working and dependable.

Take Criticism Well Criticism should be viewed as a learning experience. There is a right way to both give and take advice. This is a characteristic of a professional attitude. When you receive criticism you should thank the person for calling your attention to the matter and move on.

Take Criticism Well Above all, you should take responsibility for your mistakes and learn from them.

Maintain a Professional Image Have respect for your work, company, customers, and co-workers. Avoid unprofessional behaviors such as:  Chewing gum  Talking loudly  Fidgeting  Goofing Off

Benefits of Good Work Habits Rewards for good work habits include:  Getting raises and promotions  New opportunities  Strong references  High level of job satisfaction  Respect from others

What do employers look for in an applicant? They want a completed application. They desire to see a work history that can be verified. You should always provide a company name, phone number, person to contact, dates that you were employed, and your responsibilities.

Employers want… Verification of educational attainment… References – always ask before listing someone as a reference – (name, phone, and address)… Note: They will perform background checks.

Arkansas Works can help you pinpoint your careers direction. It will aid you in your career planning. It guides you to the education needed to do what you want to do for the rest of your life. It will assist you in performing job searches.

Key Train & Work Keys Helps people train for jobs in today’s economy. Increases likelihood that someone will possess the skills employers seek. Provides a focus on math, reading comprehension, and locating information. Is being used by more businesses in their hiring process to find qualified people. To find more information Google “Arkansas Key Train and Work Keys”.

Ethics in School / the Workplace How can I develop the type of ethics system that employers desire? You make decisions everyday that is helping in the development of your ethics system. Do I study for a test or look to others to carry me? Do I repeat gossip that could hurt someone’s feelings or reputation or do I refuse to participate? Do I consistently do the right thing even if other people aren’t watching? Do I make derogatory or negative comments to or about someone in order to make myself look good? I want to be respected, but do I treat other that with respect? (Disrespect is habit forming and hazardous to your health).

Character Matters - at home - in school - in the workplace - It matters everywhere.

What do you do now?

Choose to continue working hard to meet the Arkansas Scholars criteria. Begin developing your work habits by following the “10 important tips” that you have received. Make good decisions and develop the “character” that will lead to a life of success for both you and your family.

This program is supported by the Chamber of Commerce.