This year, a total of 43 juniors and seniors are getting in hours at work instead of putting in a full day in the classroom through the state MOFlex program.
MoFlex is a program WHS students can join as a junior or senior, but often, students don’t partake in the program until their senior year. It gives the students the option to take off a couple of hours and go to work. Many seniors don’t need a full day worth of credits to graduate. It gives students the opportunity to make money, while still finishing their last couple of credits.
While some adults might claim that a teenager should be spending more time in the classroom, the program is popular among students who find it very useful. I, myself, am one of those students taking part in the program and I feel it is very beneficial because it allows me to make and save money for my future.
According to the Missouri Department of Education, the Flex Program is available to students in grades 11 and 12, who have been identified by their high school principal, parents, or guardians, as potentially benefiting. Participants in this program must attend school for at least two instructional hours per day and be earning credit in classes needed for graduation, maintain a 95% attendance rate, and avoid suspension or expulsion. In addition, there must be evidence that participants are enrolled and attending college or career technical programs and/or proof of employment.
One of the most obvious benefits is giving students greater earning potential. As a senior who will be attending college in fall ‘25, saving money to pay for it is a big goal of mine and MoFlex gives me the chance to do so. Some students have the responsibility of a car payment, phone bill, and gas.
Another major benefit is time management. Many students are involved in sports and other after-school activities so they don’t have a ton of time to work after school. I currently work two jobs, Redwing Coffee in the mornings and the Train Station on some weekends. If I wasn’t involved in MoFlex I wouldn’t be able to save money or have any spending money due to my busy extracurricular schedule, or I would have to give up some of those activities.
MoFlex also serves as a great alternative to early graduation. Seniors also have the opportunity to graduate a semester early if they have already earned the 25 required credits, but many don’t want to miss out on anything their senior year. The program allows these students to remain in school for that final semester while taking fewer classes and working more.
Finally, the program allows for students to gain work experience and explore career possibilities. Some students use MoFlex to job shadow and further their knowledge on what they want their future career to be.
Some teachers dislike students not being at school all day. It may result in more students filling their hours with work instead of exploring elective courses offered. It could also make it more difficult for a student to build relationships with staff and peers because they are simply not in the building as much. It may be harder to contact a student or find him/her in a class. MoFlex can also lead to students missing out on in-school activities, assemblies and experiences that go on during the day.
Overall, the benefits outweigh the consequences. Giving students the opportunity to make money and gain work experience while still completing their final credits is very smart.