A new Work Exploration Program for Bossier Parish Schools has been designed and is being implemented by the Bossier Parish School Board.  The community-based program enables special education students to develop and apply good work habits, work attitudes and job skills in the performance of real jobs.  Students are not entitled to wages for training time in this program; however, they do receive grades based on employers’ evaluations and school credit for the community-based training.  Transportation to and from the training site is provided by the school system.  Special Education Lead Teacher Frank Trammel and Special Education Teacher Karen Holladay are sponsors of this training. Veronica Ford serves as the job coach for the new program, which is currently being implemented at Benton High School.

Benton area businesses participating in the new Work Exploration Program include: Brookshire’s Food Store; Capro; Country Junction Exxon Station; Covington’s Food Store; Dairy Queen; Los Gallos Mexican Restaurant; Office of the Chief Deputy Assessor of Bossier Parish; Pel State #73 (formerly Fina); The Pizza Place; and Simple Simon’s Pizza.  Everyone involved with the Work Exploration Program is extremely proud to have the participation and support of these prominent Benton businesses.