Quick Answer
What Are Students And Parents Responsible For?
Students and parents play an active role in making the program work. Here is what is expected from enrollment through the end of the program.
8th Grade Graduation
Students become eligible for the program after they finish eighth grade.
Vocational Class Attendance
Every student must complete the one-day-per-week vocational class for one full year. This is required to meet educational requirements.
Enrollment
The Work Program and Volunteer Program share a single enrollment. Students may enroll right after 8th grade or anytime before age 18. Parents and students fill out the application together and submit the one-time $250 fee.
Employment Choice
Students may start working anytime after 8th grade. Olive Grove does not control when or whether a student works. Students may work for a participating Olive Grove business or any employer of their choice.
Work Permit
Before working anywhere other than a farm, every student must get a valid work permit from their local public school district before starting work.
Child Labor Law Awareness
Parents and businesses are responsible for understanding and following Pennsylvania child labor law, especially for students ages 14 and 15. Olive Grove does not take responsibility for violations. Families sign an agreement confirming they understand this before enrollment is complete.
Ages 14-15
No exemptions from restricted job tasks apply to students in this age group, regardless of whether they are enrolled in the Work Program.
Ages 16-17
Students in this age group who work for a participating Olive Grove business may qualify for exemptions from certain restricted job tasks under cooperative education law.
Training Agreement (Participating Businesses)
When a student works for a participating business, the parent signs the Cooperative Education Training Agreement along with the employer and Olive Grove before work begins.
Workplace Conduct
Students follow all workplace rules, safety standards, and employer expectations.
Students who work for participating businesses complete a bi-weekly log recording days worked, hours worked, tasks performed, and what they learned from safety training or toolbox talks. The log goes to the employer.
Weekly Study Reporting
Students document and report each week what course content they studied or what structured training they completed, whether at work or assigned separately.
Volunteer Participation
Volunteer service is optional but encouraged. Students sign up by placing their name on the volunteer trip or project list. It is the student's responsibility to sign up.
Program Duration
Students may stay enrolled until age 18.
Parent Support
Parents are expected to encourage, guide, and advocate for their student throughout the program.