Superior’s Spartan Shack & Youth Apprenticeship Builds Students Work Skills
Superior students are diving into a great program that teaches them the basics of being a valuable employee, tradition, being a part of a business and how to become entrepreneurs. Superior High School (SHS) continues to partner with local businesses and organizations to offer two incredible programs – The Spartan Shack and the Youth Apprenticeship.
These school-based programs are designed to allow students to learn real-world skills while receiving high school credit. This article breaks down both programs and how students are enjoying the opportunities.
Spartan Shack: The Authentic Spartan Gear Store
Formerly the DECA store, the Spartan Shack has been a staple of SHS since 1965. It evolved from a simple display case that sold school supplies to becoming the premiere Spartan gear supplier to the Superior community. The store is open to students every day during the lunch hour and to the public some evenings by request.
Spartan Shack is a full-service student business. Students control marketing by updating the store’s website and social media channels. They also create designs for new shirts, pants, sweatshirts, stickers and water bottles. Finally, students are in charge of the store’s finances.
When taking the class, students have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of running a small business. Some of the goals of the class include: helping the community, developing soft skills, creating connections with clients/vendors, increasing students’ communication skills and making students feel valued.
“I have done every job,” said SHS senior Emilee Daniel. “I’m kind of put as an overarching person that looks over everybody as of right now. You get to know a lot of people in different perspectives. I definitely have noticed that I’ve become a better problem solver and that I work with people a lot better. It’s interesting reaching out to the different companies. Last year, we got a big donation to pay for all of the Mental Health t-shirts for every person in the school. That was super cool.”
SHS students must take Intro to Business and Marketing before joining the team. In 2022, the Spartan Shack class evolved into two courses: Fashion and Retail Merchandise and Fashion and Retail Management. This allowed students to retake the class as many times as they liked and try new things inside the store.
“I had kids approach me and say, can I take this again,” said Tara Hansen, SHS Business and Marketing teacher. “Some students need the entire semester to really understand what is going on in the Spartan Shack. They then want to take the course again to further their knowledge of small business operations. So I’m able to take both classes and put them in one hour. I’d rather have the younger kids learn from the older kids, which puts them in leadership positions.”
Hansen took over the program in 2019, but she was a student in the class years ago. She has seen it grow over the years and even found creative ways to attract customers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they opened an online store, which has helped sales soar.
“I liked being a part of Spartan Shack,” said SHS senior Chris Bruzek. “It’s super fun. I like talking with the customers. I’m a people person, and it’s cool to meet people. I definitely plan to be here next semester.”
Youth Apprenticeship Program, Creating Real World Opportunities
November recently celebrated Apprenticeship Month, and Superior High School is proud to offer the Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program. Juniors and seniors are allowed to enroll in YA after they complete the Intro in Careers class, where they learn how to be the best employees. They then enroll in YA, which allows them to leave SHS campus early to work in the community. Students must complete 450 hours during the school year while continuing to meet goals with the company’s manager.
Just about any job in a specific career quality for the program. Some students work at restaurants, stores, nursing homes, hotels, etc. As long as the guidelines are met, students can receive credit. The Superior YA program has grown from about two students in 2023 to 15 students in 2024. Hansen believes that upward participation is due to today’s trends.
“Students really are working more just in general,” said Hansen. “I don’t know if that’s just the economy. It’s a lot more common. This generation is changing.”
“I just thought it would give me good experience,” said SHS junior Alyssa Mcleod. “The credits that you get at the end of the year are obviously a really good plus. We just learn about what we want to do in our future, and like the different options.”
Throughout the year, Hansen meets with the many local managers to discuss each student’s progress and ensure they are on track to complete the program. These check-ins include on-the-job training requirements, a set number of hours, and learning skills for that career. Once a student is enrolled in Youth Apprenticeship, SHS receives $300 per student to help provide supplies and equipment. Every student who finishes the program will receive a cord, a certificate and SHS will then receive an additional $1,000 to put back into the program to create further career opportunities.
“It’s all about time management,” said SHS junior Madison Bickford. “I do have to submit my pay stubs for career class and school to work so she knows the hours I’m working, and I’m actually going to be able to use that as evidence to get my credits at the end of the year. It’s just a great way to be able to gain experience through working, but also being able to have support through your work.”
This program is evolving yearly, and Hansen is still looking for community support.
“Our students are always looking at new ways to get involved. We want more businesses, especially local businesses, to reach out. We would love to partner and show our students what life can be like after high school.”
If you or your business would like to get involved with the Superior Youth Apprenticeship, please contact Tara Hansen at 715-394-8720 or tara.hansen@superior.k12.wi.us
David Coy is Communications & PR Specialist for the School District of Superior.
