Goal: Explore whether hosting a student co-op aligns with your organization’s goals and capacity.

You might be here if:

• You’re exploring how a student co-op could fit within your organization.

• You’re identifying departments, supervisors, or projects that could support a student.

• You’re clarifying what value the experience could bring to both the student and your team.

Questions to consider:

• What types of tasks or projects could a student meaningfully contribute to?

• Who could serve as a day-to-day supervisor or mentor?

• What skills or experiences could a student gain at your site?

Tip: Click here to schedule a meeting with Tosha Ridenour, AofL Alliance, for help in building a job description!

Goal: Confirm your organization’s eligibility and complete required forms.

You might be here if:

• You’ve decided to move forward and are ready to start the process!

• You’ve identified who will supervise the student and where they will work.

Next steps:

1. Register on JobReady (first-time employers only).

2. Complete the JCPS Co-Op Employer Compliance Form

   • You’ll receive this via noreply@please.signmyform.com (one submission required per year).

   • Includes a background check (free through JCPS if not already required by your organization).

3. Background Check Process:

   • Visit the JCPS Volunteer Background Check System → select Work-Based Learning (WBL) as the site.

   • Create an account to track results.

4. Begin brainstorming student responsibilities.

   • Think about both existing roles and new opportunities where a student could add value.

   • For example: students in construction pathways might begin with materials management, safety support, or jobsite logistics.
     

Goal: Define the student’s experience, including job duties, schedule, and supervision.

You might be here if:

• You’ve completed compliance forms.

• You’re ready to formalize what the student will do and how they’ll be supported.

What to include in your plan:

• Job title and description: Outline core tasks or ongoing projects.

• Hours and schedule:

  • Students must work a minimum of 10 hours per week for the entirety of a school semester (January–May or August–December).

  • If this timing doesn’t align with your ideal schedule, you may also offer summer part-time positions, but note these do not count for course credit.

  • Identify hours that align with both school and business operations.

• Compensation:

  • Co-ops must pay a minimum of $15/hour.

  • Employers are encouraged to offer competitive wages based on industry standards.

• Supervision: Name the primary supervisor or mentor.

Helpful prompts:

• “Which parts of our daily operations could a student learn from or assist with?”

• “What projects could give a student hands-on, career-aligned experience?”

• “What schedule would allow for consistent learning and contribution?”

Tip: Click here to schedule a meeting with Tosha Ridenour, AofL Alliance, for help in building a job description!

Goal: Submit your finalized co-op details so your opportunity can be shared with students.

You might be here if:

• You’ve completed compliance and developed your student work plan.

• You’re ready to make your co-op position available to students.
  
  

Next steps:

• Submit your finalized job description (with pay and schedule details) to your Academies of Louisville contact.

• Confirm your preferred student start date (Spring, Summer, or Fall).

• Once approved, your opportunity will be shared with eligible students in aligned career pathways through JobReady and school staff.

• Students will apply either through JobReady or via your designated contact method.

Goal: Identify the best-fit student(s) for your co-op role.

You might be here if:

• You’re reviewing applications or scheduling interviews.

• You’re ready to select a student for your site.

Tips:

• Treat interviews as both a selection process and a learning opportunity for students.

• Be transparent about job expectations, dress code, and scheduling.

• Notify your Academies contact once a student is selected and confirm a start date.

Goal: Welcome your student and officially begin the co-op experience.

You might be here if:

• You’ve offered the position and are preparing for their first day.

What happens next:

• Student submits their official Work Plan outlining duties, hours, and supervision.

• Employer receives a digital Work Plan from noreply@please.signmyform.com for review and signature.

• Once approved, the student is cleared to begin work during school-specified hours.

• Student tracks hours through JobReady (via pay stubs or work logs).

Employers will receive a short Evaluation Form during or after the experience to provide feedback on student performance.