San Andreas & Angels Camp, CA…High school seniors from both Bret Harte and Calaveras High Schools got a taste of adult life last week during the Second Annual “On the Right Track” program sponsored by the Calaveras Chamber of Commerce. The program is one-day event that brings students and the community together to equip students with skills for independence and introduce them to essential agencies and service providers throughout the county.

Staged on the actual track of each local high school, the event challenged students to deal with potential scenarios of adult life. Some students had “lost their job and had to find housing” while other students “grandmother passed away with no will and you’re the only heir.” Everyone also had the chance to “spin the wheel” of life events that might prompt them to access agencies or services for guidance and support. Divorce, marriage, getting arrested, retirement, going back to school, traveling abroad, experiencing a medical emergency and being recruited for the military were all potential “spin” challenges. Bret Harte senior Ruby Eustis-Smith landed on ‘Travel Abroad’ and said, “This was very useful because I want to take a trip this summer and I was able to talk to a travel agent and get information I needed.”

As they learned how to get and stay “On the Right Track,” students interacted with more than 30 local businesses and agencies that had volunteered to support the event. The organizations present included banks, real estate, the newspaper, insurance, internet provider, technology services, travel agency, financial planner, county government offices and medical centers. Also present were law enforcement agencies, US Navy and US Army, Columbia College, US Postal Service, hospice, job training, local water district, Social Security Administration, The Resource Connection, Volunteer Center, and the Calaveras County Economic Development. Each student received a binder to use that day and later take home that contains resources for their immersion into the adult life.

Calaveras Unified School District Superintendent Mark Campbell said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to learn life skills and gain a greater appreciation for their community.” He added, “These events also open up potential career opportunities for our students.”

Sherri Reusche, Calaveras Unified School Board member attended both events and said, “the businesses present just love that they are able to help students get assistance and learn about the things that get taken for granted in everyday life, like how to pay for utilities. This event puts life into perspective.”

More information about “On the Right Track” is available at https://calaveras.org/sponsor-opportunities-for-on-the-right-track/.
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