Teresa Hardy thought she knew a lot about herself when she first started college. The Rancho Cucamonga resident wanted a good education and wanted to do something related to science. One thing she knew she didn't want to do was teach.

Graduate student Alex Morris learns on the job through the university's Co-op Ed Program.

Currently in her fifth year at Cal Poly Pomona majoring in biology, Hardy now plans to become a high school biology teacher once she earns her degree.

"Before this job, I didn't want to be a teacher. Now I can't imagine doing anything that doesn't include working with kids," says Hardy. "They're so amazing."

What changed her mind, and essentially her life, is the time she's spent the last two years working with the Hope Through Housing Foundation, an organization providing opportunities for low-income multifamily communities. Hardy manages a division program involving four properties in Rancho Cucamonga, providing tutoring and mentoring during the traditional school year and a special day camp during the summer.

That position was made available for course credit through an agreement with the foundation and Cal Poly Pomona's Cooperative Educational Program.

Co-op Ed provides opportunities for 350 to 400 students annually to earn course credits and valuable actual learning experience working at a variety of companies and organizations throughout Southern California.

Alex Morris, a Cal Poly Pomona graduate now working toward a Master's degree in chemistry, has spent the last year involved with the Co-op Ed program doing testing work for Avery Dennison in Pasadena. He says the experience has reinforced his confidence.

"I've learned so much just by being here, let alone doing the job. Most everything I use in terms of math, stats and chemistry are things I learned in school. You realize you didn't take all those classes just to take classes," says Morris. "I can say nothing I learned while at Cal Poly Pomona was wasted."

At the same time, those companies and organization are provided highly motivated individuals who can fill staffing needs, freeing up regular employees to devote attention to other projects.

At the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) in Diamond Bar, students work in positions from accounting to active lab assistants. Steve Barbosa, principle air quality chemist, says that in the lab, students get a first-hand look at both day-to-day operations and career opportunities.

Teresa Hardy plans on becoming a high school biology teacher.

"As I explain to our students, you can look over the shoulder at a working chemist and get an idea of what's expected in the real world," says Barbosa. "A lot of times, students don't even knowwhat the AQMD does. By bringing in these students, we're contributing to our community outreach commitment, creating a better understanding of what we're all about."

At the same time, learn by doing, the crux of the university's polytechnic philosophy, can become on-the-job training.

"It's a good way for companies to find potential employees," explains Fred Bet-Pera, chemistry professor and director of the Co-op Ed Program. "Probably 30 percent of our students wind up being offered positions. Companies know they can hire people who have proven they can do the work and will require little additional training."

The opportunity becomes a shared learning experience, providing hands-on education for student and employer alike.

Originally started in 1975, the program plans on increasing participation by both students and outside organizations. Avery Dennison, South Coast AQMD and Hope Through Housing are three of nearly 50 companies/ organizations that have partnered with Co-op Ed in recent years. Others include the Metropolitan Water District, Southern California Edison, GE Engine Services, Walt Disney Imagineering and the City of Industry.

Positions available for students run the gamut of career interests, from high tech and financial to legislative and community service.

"It really is a university-wide program. We have openings for accounting majors, engineers, computer science, almost everything on campus," says Bet-Pera. "Students have a chance to experience first-hand if something is really what they want to do."

After two quarters working in a co-op position, students are required to submit a written report that must be approved by their workplace. After the third quarter, they must prepare and give a presentation about what they've done. The presentation is taped and given to the student, who then has a week to submit a critique on the presentation.

The biggest hurdle for the program involves signing up enough students from eligible majors to keep up with demands.

"What I would say is just try it. That's the idea with Co-op Ed," he says. "Just do it and the opportunities will come to you."

For additional information on how students and businesses/organizations can get involved with the
Cooperative Education Program, contact (909) 869-3680 or 869-3434 or visit www.csupomona.edu/~coop/ .