12 for Life is a unique program where students work part-time at a Southwire manufacturing facility while at the same time earning Work Based Learning and academic high school credits. There are five main components of 12 for Life, which are Work Based Learning, Manufacturing Pathway, Rotation Classes, STEM School, and Summer School.

All 12 for Life students participate in Georgia's Work Based Learning (WBL) program. WBL is part of Georgia's Career Technical Agricultural Education (CTAE) program. CTAE's goal is the prepare high school students to be college and career ready when they graduate high school. CTAE programs allow students to choose their field of study based upon their personal career goals. Once a student has chosen their field of study, related coursework is assigned. WBL is the culminating experience for students taking courses in their chosen career pathway. The student's educational goals and chosen course work are connected at the workplace where students experience hands on training to develop their occupational skills. Students who successfully complete their WBL program are prepare to apply, interview, and succeed in their future occupation. 

Work Based Learning Grade

12 for Life students are evaluated in three areas of their work experience to achieve their WBL grade. The three areas that are evaluated are weekly worked hours, CTAE Job Training Plan, and work behavior. Weekly worked hours account for 60%, CTAE Job Training Plan accounts for 20%, and work behavior accounts for 20% of the final nine weeks grade. 

 

Students who remain in the 12 for Life program for three semesters will complete the requirements for Georgia's Manufacturing Pathway. Based on when students are completing the Manufacturing 3 pathway course, they will take the End of Pathway Exam. It is offered twice during the academic school year, once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester. 

Diploma Seals

Students have the opportunity to earn up to three (3) Career Ready Diploma Seals: Employability/Soft Skills, Pathway Skills, and Leadership Skills; all three seals have the opportunity to be designated as "Distinguished". The counselor maintains records of each students' possible diploma seals. Further information can be provided upon parents' and/or students' request or through the Georgia DOE's website.

Youth Apprenticeship Program

When students begin at 12 for Life, they are also working towards completion of Georgia's Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP). This program strives to prepare students for a high-skill occupation that requires an industry credential, and later provide Georgia with a pool of highly trained technologically sophisticated young workers. In order to be a completer of the program students must obtain 720 hours of on-the-job training and complete an industry recognized credential.

 

Rotation classes are an integral part of the 12 for Life program. All 12 for Life students must attend rotation classes. Students attend rotation classes either before or after their work shift. First shift students attend rotation class from 12:00 pm-12:30 pm. Students who work second shift arrive at 12 for Life around 12:15 pm each day. These students attend their rotation class from 12:30 pm-1:00 pm. Third shift students arrive at 12 for Life around 4:45 pm. They attend their rotation class from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm. 

There are four different rotation classes, which are Professional Skills, Financial Literacy, Scientific Research, and Manufacturing Technology. At the beginning of each semester, students are assigned a letter ( A, B, C, D, or E). Students who are in the the E-group are students who have been in the program for a full year and have completed all four rotation classes. These students are put into a special rotation class, which focuses on reading and math skills. Seniors in the E-group receive special instruction for senior interventions that focus on resume building, networking skills, and mock interview training. The students who are in groups A through D will attend all four rotation classes every week.

Rotation Class Attendance and Grading

Attendance to rotation class is mandatory for every day worked and will be monitored very carefully. Failure to attend your shift's rotation class will result in a day off from work. Students who work first shift must be in their rotation class by 12:05 pm. At 12:05 pm the classroom doors will be locked, and you will not be allowed in without a note explaining why you are tardy. Notes must be from a Southwire supervisor or a teacher and state a valid reason for you being late to rotation class. If you do not have a valid excuse, you will not be allowed in the class and receive a day off from work. First shift students must be aware that tardiness to rotation class due to not cleaning your workstation or completing your paperwork will not be considered a valid excuse. Second and third shift students should be lined up outside their classroom at 12:30 pm (2nd shift) and 5:00 pm (3rd shift) ready to enter their rotation class. You will be required to sign into every rotation class. Failure to sign into rotation class will be treated as an absence. 

Students earn credit for their rotation class through class attendance and completion of required coursework.