Three Bancroft-Rosalie Graduates Begin Careers at Cooney Fertilizer Following Work-Based Learning Internships
Bancroft, NE—Three recent graduates of Bancroft-Rosalie Community School have successfully transitioned from their senior year work-based learning internships to full-time positions at Cooney Fertilizer, a local agricultural business. These graduates, who completed internships as part of the school’s innovative Senior Fridays program, are now key contributors to Cooney Fertilizer’s operations.
Matthew Polenske and John Bowers interned directly with Cooney Fertilizer during their senior year, gaining hands-on experience in agricultural services and operations. Matthew completed CDL coursework his Senior year at Pathways 2 Tomorrow in West Point. Michael Cooney interned with a contractor in Fremont, acquiring valuable skills in construction and contracting. Their diverse internships not only provided them with real-world work experience but also paved the way for their seamless entry into the workforce after graduation.
Ray Cooney, owner of Cooney Fertilizer, expressed his satisfaction with the recent hires, stating, “All three of these young men are now a valuable part of our operation. Their internships prepared them well, and we are pleased to have them on board full-time.” Cooney praised the work ethic and dedication of the new employees, crediting the school’s work-based learning program for equipping students with the practical skills needed for success.
Currently, the three graduates are contributing to a project close to home: the ongoing construction of the new addition at Bancroft-Rosalie Community School. Their work on the expansion, which will enhance the school’s facilities, highlights how their internships have come full circle—allowing them to give back to the very school where they gained their foundational experiences.
The success of these graduates underscores the effectiveness of Bancroft-Rosalie’s Senior Fridays program, which allows seniors to dedicate one day each week to internships and work-based learning opportunities. Designed to address the limited availability of local internships in rural areas, the program enables students to build real-world skills, make professional connections, and explore potential career paths.
This achievement also highlights the important role local businesses like Cooney Fertilizer play in supporting the development of young talent in the community. The partnership between the school and Cooney Fertilizer not only benefits the students but also strengthens the local economy by creating a pipeline of skilled workers ready to enter the workforce upon graduation.
As these three graduates continue to grow in their careers, their story stands as an example of how collaboration between schools and businesses can create lasting opportunities for young people in rural communities.