At Westbury High School, education goes beyond a regular classroom. For the students in the STRIVE program, some of the best lessons they can learn are out in the world, in their community. Three days a week—Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday—these hardworking students head out to local businesses to gain hands-on experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.
From automotive help to grocery inventory and cleaning support, the STRIVE program demonstrates consistency, teamwork, and a positive attitude when it comes to being successful in work-based learning.
Tuesdays: Auto Parts Shop
The week kicks off in Hicksville, where students take on one of the most demanding roles. Since March 2025, the students have been a consistent presence at the auto parts shop, making it their longest-running location. The primary goal is organization. When students arrive, the supply carts are often disorganized—but that is no obstacle. The students get right to work managing inventory, sorting new products directly off the truck.
The week kicks off in Hicksville, where students take on one of the most demanding roles. Since March 2025, the students have been a consistent presence at the auto parts shop, making it their longest-running location. The primary goal is organization. When students arrive, the supply carts are often disorganized—but that is no obstacle. The students get right to work managing inventory, sorting new products directly off the truck.
They divide their work into two main sections: Waxwells and the Technical Aisles. Waxwells include handling everything from car wash soaps and waxes to windshield wipers and air fresheners. The Technical Aisles include managing more complex inventory such as steering wheel covers, electrical fuses, performance chemicals, and heavy cables.
The highlight for many students is using the scan guns. This allows them to verify aisle numbers and pricing, making their job more efficient. Many students say, “It’s really all about teamwork,” as they work in pairs to navigate the store and organize products. In addition, they practice important workplace safety skills, such as using ladders properly, while maintaining a professional appearance by wearing name tags.
Wednesdays: Stop & Shop
Since joining the Stop & Shop team in October 2025, the students have been traveling by bus to Carle Place each week. Working in small groups, they are responsible for checking the quality of products and determining where items belong. They identify damaged goods—such as dented cans, opened bags, or spoiled produce—and work with store managers to ensure these items are removed from shelves.
Since joining the Stop & Shop team in October 2025, the students have been traveling by bus to Carle Place each week. Working in small groups, they are responsible for checking the quality of products and determining where items belong. They identify damaged goods—such as dented cans, opened bags, or spoiled produce—and work with store managers to ensure these items are removed from shelves.
They also return misplaced items to their proper locations in the snack, soup, and bread aisles. Without the use of scan guns, this task becomes more challenging and requires strong attention to detail. An added benefit of this workplace is that students use this time to purchase ingredients for their Friday cooking lessons at school. Students like Jefferson and Kenny take the lead at the registers, scanning items and practicing real-world customer interactions.
Thursdays: Applebee’s
The week wraps up in Westbury at Applebee’s. Here, students have been learning how to maintain a clean and organized environment since October 2025. During this shift, they gain insight into how a busy restaurant operates behind the scenes. Whether they are preparing dining areas or assisting with table and chair setup, the focus remains on professionalism and efficiency.
The week wraps up in Westbury at Applebee’s. Here, students have been learning how to maintain a clean and organized environment since October 2025. During this shift, they gain insight into how a busy restaurant operates behind the scenes. Whether they are preparing dining areas or assisting with table and chair setup, the focus remains on professionalism and efficiency.
This experience is more than just a job. While many of the skills learned focus on inventory, safety, and logistics, students emphasize that workplace culture matters most.
Students share, “The people are sweet, nice, and kind. The way the bosses greet and treat you makes the workplace better.”
The STRIVE program offers valuable opportunities for students to gain real-life work experience. More importantly, it teaches them how to be part of a team and an active member of their community. With months of dedication at each location, these students are building a strong foundation for their future—and they should be very proud of themselves.
