CLAYTON — These seniors work hard in school, yet face the prospects of reduced job opportunities upon graduation — but not if their teacher gets some help from the local business community.

Kristina Nelson, clerical services senior instructor at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center, teaches graduation preparedness.

"I created this class back in 2004 after contacting students who had graduated from our program within the prior year," Nelson said. "I was concerned when I found out that almost the majority of students were not attending school or employed. After much thought, I realized that most of our students with special needs and possibly even their parents did not have the tools necessary to take the next step after graduation."

The main objective is to teach students employable skills. Students in the program have worked in the past at car dealerships, automotive service centers, churches, hospitals, offices and pharmacies.

But, before the class, few went on to post-secondary education. Since Nelson developed the class nearly 70 percent of students have gone on to college.

According to Phil McClurg, clerical services junior instructor at MVCTC, the school previously known as the Miami Valley Joint Vocational School, opened in 1971. It serves students from 27 area high schools in Montgomery, Warren, Preble, Darke and Miami counties. Among its many programs, MVCTC offers four occupational labs, programs that focus on vocational skills in clerical, automotive, agricultural, and hotel and lodging services.

Nancy Andrews, who graduated from MVJVS, has a daughter enrolled in the clerical services occupational lab program.

"Andrea has gained so much it is hard to describe. The first and foremost is maturity," she said.

"This program teaches not only what is appropriate in a work environment, but also teaches the student how to dress and how to conduct yourself in an office atmosphere."

Nelson believes job shadowing opportunities would benefit her students by showing them what it takes to maintain and be successful at a job as well as rewarding cooperating businesses with the knowledge that they've had a positive impact on a student's life.

"They will be providing learning experiences for students who have learned employable skills and want the same things as you or I, which is to be independent," Nelson said.