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When it comes to preparing teenagers for the real world, traditional classroom settings can sometimes fall short. That's where simulated work experiences, like co-ops, come in. A co-op, in this context, is all about giving students hands-on experience with real-world tasks, in partnership with businesses across different industries. It goes beyond basic theory and connects students to practical work scenarios. Here’s how it works and why it matters for today’s teens.
Think of a co-op as a collaboration between teenagers and real companies. These companies design work assignments that reflect tasks happening in their fields every day. This gives teens the chance to roll up their sleeves and gain experience—something that’s hard to find at this age. And no, it’s not about sitting in a coding class all day. While coding is a great skill, it only makes up about 10-15% of what someone can do with a computer in the workplace. The rest involves a range of tech tools and systems that help people stay productive.
More than 60 million Americans work on computers daily. It’s vital for your teen to learn how to use these tools for work, not just for social media scrolling, gaming, or endless Zoom calls. That’s where our co-op program at Starter School comes in.
Our co-ops span 30 different industries (and growing). Each co-op is a mini-project designed for teens to complete at their own pace. They’re supported every step of the way, so they don’t feel lost or frustrated. We make sure they’re genuinely learning and finishing tasks they can be proud of.
And there’s a fun twist: If they complete their co-op within 10 days, there’s a cash reward waiting for them. But don’t worry—these co-ops aren’t overwhelming. Most projects take between 3 to 6 hours total, so they can fit into after-school hours, weekends, or homeschool schedules.
Getting work experience as a teenager isn’t easy. Co-ops help fill that gap by simulating real job tasks in a structured environment. By completing these projects, teens can build portfolios and resumes that stand out. When it’s time for job interviews, they’ll have concrete examples of work they’ve done—not just a list of grades and test scores. And that’s exactly what many employers care about today: practical skills and accomplishments.
This isn’t a traditional job or a one-size-fits-all program. It’s a flexible, self-paced learning experience. Teens and homeschoolers can dive into co-ops on their own schedule, making it perfect as an elective or a curriculum addition. Starter School pioneered this approach to bring real-world skills to teenagers, helping them stand out in an ever-changing economy.
If you’re looking to give your teen a head start with meaningful work experience, co-ops are a great place to begin. It’s not just about “working”—it’s about learning and achieving in a way that prepares them for the future.
Help your child learn how to become a stronger problem-solver using the newest A.I. tools & tech they don't learn about at school. Enroll your child into the Tech Work Experience today.