Work Program

Since its inception, Ozark's work program was designed to develop practical work skills, cultivate character traits such as dependability and self-confidence, and help pay tuition costs. During the admissions/enrollment process students are encouraged to choose their top three work placement choices. Ozark's work coordinator will attempt to place students in one of these areas but because some positions are limited this is not always possible.

On average a typical student usually works 10 hours per week (2 hours/school day) and can earn approximately $2500.00 towards their tuition during the course of a school year. Because of state regulations students ages fourteen and fifteen may only work during the hours 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on school days. Students under the age of sixteen are also required to obtain a work permit from the State of Arkansas before they can begin working. To obtain the permit, parents need to send a copy of the student's birth certificate to the Business Office and fill out the required form (which is also available by contacting the Business Office). Business Office staff will then submit the application for the student. Generally, it takes about a week for the permit to be received. International students and students under the age of fourteen do not participate in the work program because they cannot legally work in the United States.

Work Sponsorship Pledge Form

The Work Sponsorship Pledge Form is available to download here. It is the student and their family's responsibility to find work sponsors, to fill out the forms, and return the forms to OAA's Business Office.