12 for Life is a unique work-based learning program that allows students to gain real-world employment experience at a Southwire manufacturing facility while also earning high school academic credit and Work-Based Learning credit toward graduation.

The program is built around five core components: Work-Based Learning, Manufacturing Pathway, Industry Readiness Classes, STEM School, and Summer School, all designed to support student success through academic instruction, technical training, and career readiness.

Overview

All 12 for Life students participate in Georgia’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) program, which is part of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE). CTAE prepares students to be college and career ready by allowing them to select a career pathway aligned with their interests and goals. Once a pathway is chosen, students complete related coursework designed to build foundational knowledge and skills for their chosen field.

WBL serves as the culminating experience of the CTAE pathway. It connects classroom learning to the workplace, where students receive hands-on training to develop occupational skills and apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Students who successfully complete the WBL program are prepared to apply, interview, and succeed in their future careers.

Work-Based Learning Grade

12 for Life students earn their WBL grade based on three performance areas: weekly work hours, the CTAE Job Training Plan, and work behavior.

• Weekly work hours: 60%
• CTAE Job Training Plan: 20%
• Work behavior: 20%

Each component is evaluated over the nine-week grading period to determine the final WBL grade.

Students who remain in the 12 for Life program for three semesters complete the requirements for Georgia’s Manufacturing Pathway. Upon completion of Manufacturing III, students take the End-of-Pathway (EOPA) exam. The exam is administered twice each academic year, once in the fall and once in the spring.

Diploma Seals

Students have the opportunity to earn up to three Career Ready Diploma Seals: Employability/Soft Skills, Pathway Skills, and Leadership Skills. Each seal may also be designated as “Distinguished.”

The school counselor maintains records of students’ earned and eligible diploma seals. Additional information is available upon request or through the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).

Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP)

Students in 12 for Life also work toward completion of Georgia’s Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP), which prepares students for high-skill occupations requiring industry credentials and supports Georgia’s workforce pipeline.

To complete the program, students must earn 720 hours of on-the-job training and obtain an industry-recognized credential.

Rotation Classes

Rotation classes are a required part of the 12 for Life program. All students participate daily as part of their academic and career readiness experience.

Rotation class schedules are based on student work shift:

• First Shift: 12:00–12:30 PM
• Second Shift: 12:30–1:00 PM (arrival around 12:15 PM)
• Third Shift: 5:00–5:30 PM (arrival around 4:45 PM)

Students complete instruction in four rotating courses: Professional Skills, Financial Literacy, Scientific Research, and Manufacturing Technology.

At the beginning of each semester, students are assigned to rotation groups (A–E). Students in groups A–D rotate through all four courses each week. The E-group includes students who have completed one full year in the program and all four rotation courses. These students receive targeted academic support in reading and math, along with senior-focused career readiness instruction such as resume building, networking skills, and mock interview preparation.

Attendance Expectations

Rotation class attendance is mandatory on all workdays and is closely monitored. Students are expected to be in class on time based on their assigned shift.

First shift students must be in class by 12:05 PM. At that time, doors are locked, and late entry requires a written excuse from a Southwire supervisor or teacher with a valid reason for tardiness. Students who arrive late without a valid excuse will not be admitted and may lose their workday. Tardiness due to incomplete workstation cleanup or unfinished paperwork is not considered excused.

Second and third shift students must line up outside their classroom at their scheduled start time and sign in upon entry. Failure to sign in is recorded as an absence.

Students earn rotation class credit through consistent attendance and completion of assigned coursework.

12 for Life Pathway Overview and Program Structure

The 12 for Life pathway model outlines the structured components that support student success through academics, work-based learning, and career preparation. Students may earn 6, 8, 10, or 12 credits within a school year based on their participation and selected pathway. The flyer below provides an overview of the program structure and credit options.