HISTORY

The Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) has been a part of the Maryland State Department's educational process for many years.  The population growth and economic development of Charles County were significant elements in convincing the local board of education that a new program needed to be implemented.  This would provide for the educational enhancement of the students in the classroom as well as providing for a supervised work experience component that would earn Carnegie credits. A proposal was written and submitted to the Maryland State Department of Education by Gerald. W. Davis, Vocational Supervisor, for the Cooperative Education Program.  Mr.Davis designed the program for diversified occupations in order to reach the greatest number of students.  It was approved and implemented at La Plata and Lackey High Schools in the fall of 1971.  Each school had twenty-five to thirty students enrolled in the program. Students at Thomas Stone High School began their participation in the fall of 1972, and McDonough High School students followed in the fall term of 1979.  Westlake High School's Cooperative Education Program was initiated in 1998.  Through the ears, the Co-op Program has improved with the hard work and determination of the coordinators, the participation and energy of the students, as well as the support and acceptance of the community.  It has afforded many if the participants opportunities to obtain scholarships and pursue post secondary education.  Students that have excelled on the job have been given the students are now supervisors, managers and owners of businesses and are in the position of hiring Co-op students today. In May 1972, the first Cooperative Education Employer-Employee Luncheon was held.  The purpose of this event was to recognize and say "Thank You" to the employers for hiring and working with the Co-op Students.  In 1990, this event was changed from a luncheon to a breakfast to accommodate the busy schedule of participating employers.  The breakfast continues as an annual event.  The Co-op program has proved to be successful and popular serving to build positive public relations between the school and community.  Employers play a major role in the success and continuation of the Cooperative Education Program.