The Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program at Salem Community High School is much more than a class—it’s a gateway to real-world experience, helping students connect their career aspirations with hands-on opportunities. With five seniors currently enrolled, including Makayla Braddy and Cole Wimberly, the program delivers personalized guidance under the leadership of Katelyn Green, a Salem alumna who brings both expertise and relatability to her role.

“Co-Op is about preparing students for life beyond high school,” Ms. Green explains. “It gives them the tools to succeed, whether they’re entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, or exploring other paths.”

For each participant, the program looks different, tailored to their unique goals. Makayla, who dreams of a career in dentistry, is interning at Dr. Light’s dental practice, where she assists with patient care and learns the intricacies of dental hygiene and office operations. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at first,” Makayla admits. “But being here has confirmed my passion for dentistry. It’s been an amazing opportunity to see what this career is really like.”

Ms. Green played a crucial role in helping Makayla secure her internship. “Her dad mentioned Dr. Light, so I reached out and helped make it official,” Ms. Green recalls. “It’s rewarding to see how much she’s grown from this experience.”

Cole Wimberly, another Co-Op student, spends his mornings at WJBD Radio, where he assists with production tasks, learns the ropes of broadcasting, and even creates segments. “I started in the school’s broadcasting program, Wild News, and my advisor recommended me for this internship,” Cole shares. “At WJBD, I’m not just observing—I’m part of the team. They trust me to take on real responsibilities.”

For Cole, the experience is preparing him for his future as an aspiring actor and theater major at SIU Carbondale. “Broadcasting and theater are closely linked,” he explains. “This internship has helped me develop communication skills and confidence that will serve me in any creative field.”

The Co-Op program’s impact extends beyond individual students. Ms. Green emphasizes the value it brings to the local community and employers. “This program allows businesses to train students on-site, teaching them exactly what they need for the job,” she says. “It creates a pipeline and encourages students to stay in or return to the community, helping to retain local talent.”

The diversity of placements within the program reflects its adaptability. One student is working with Intermountain Electronics in Centralia, assisting in the manufacturing of auxiliary generators for large corporations. Another has a role at Americana in Salem, focusing on computer programming, while a fifth student is part of the team at Little Egypt Golf Cars.

“These placements aren’t just about checking boxes,” Ms. Green says. “They’re about helping students find their passions, develop skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.”

As a recent graduate herself, Ms. Green connects with her students in ways that make her guidance especially impactful. “She gets us,” Cole says. “Her sense of humor, her understanding of what’s trending—she’s relatable in a way that makes learning from her feel natural.”

Makayla agrees. “Ms. Green knows how to help us without making it feel like work. She’s genuinely invested in our success.”

For Ms. Green, the rewards of her role are clear. “I love seeing the growth in my students,” she says. “Watching them go from being uncertain to confident and capable is the best part of my job.”

As the Co-Op program continues to evolve, Ms. Green looks forward to expanding its reach and impact. “This is just the beginning,” she says. “I’m excited to see how we can grow and help even more students in the future.”

With programs like Co-Op, SCHS is not only preparing students for their next steps but also building stronger connections between the school, local businesses, and the broader community—a win-win for everyone involved.