River Bend connects students with local employment opportunities
River Bend students visit Papa Murphy’s to learn about work opportunities from manager Shanda Aden. From left to right front: Austin Matthew, Brooklyn Rannow 10th, Kendra Rannow 10th, Josie Ulrch 12th, Shanda Aden, Papa Murphy’s Manager. Back row left to right Ethan Wegner 12th, Ehrich Knnack 12th, Christopher Turner 11th, Ximena Reyes 10th, Shawn Hacker 12th, Hayden Wiegad 12th.
River Bend Students take a work site visit to Hy-Vee. From left to right, Adeline Ahlbrecht 10th grade, Kailey Chavez 11th, Hyvee employee Isaac Olsen, Josie Ulrich 12th, Jackson Halloran 12th, Logan Watson 11th, Ethan Wegner 12th, Ehrich Knnack 12th, Shawn Hacker 12th, Ryan Clair 11th orange sweatshirt, Hayden Wiegad 12th and Edward Jacobs 11th.
River Bend students visit Papa Murphy’s to learn about work opportunities from manager Shanda Aden. From left to right front: Austin Matthew, Brooklyn Rannow 10th, Kendra Rannow 10th, Josie Ulrch 12th, Shanda Aden, Papa Murphy’s Manager. Back row left to right Ethan Wegner 12th, Ehrich Knnack 12th, Christopher Turner 11th, Ximena Reyes 10th, Shawn Hacker 12th, Hayden Wiegad 12th.
River Bend Students take a work site visit to Hy-Vee. From left to right, Adeline Ahlbrecht 10th grade, Kailey Chavez 11th, Hyvee employee Isaac Olsen, Josie Ulrich 12th, Jackson Halloran 12th, Logan Watson 11th, Ethan Wegner 12th, Ehrich Knnack 12th, Shawn Hacker 12th, Ryan Clair 11th orange sweatshirt, Hayden Wiegad 12th and Edward Jacobs 11th.
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NEW ULM — Once a month, students at River Bend Education District step outside the classroom and into local businesses to learn firsthand about employment opportunities in their community.
This program provides students with opportunities to build skills and knowledge that will help prepare them for employment and life after high school. A major focus of the program is introducing students to entry-level employment opportunities and helping them understand what employers are looking for in a successful employee.
One way students gain this experience is through monthly Worksite Awareness Tours. During these short, 30- to 45-minute visits, students tour local workplaces, learn about different job duties, and hear directly from employers about workplace expectations. These community-based experiences allow students to see jobs in action while discovering employment opportunities that exist right in their own communities.
On September 18, students participated in their first Worksite Awareness Tours of the 2026-27 school year. The 13 students were present for the first tour and 11 for the second.
The first stop was Papa Murphy’s, where Shanda Aden led students on a tour and discussed the different responsibilities employees have throughout the workday. She also spoke with students about what she looks for in a good employee and the qualities that can help someone be successful in the workplace.
Students then visited Hy-Vee, where Isaac Olsen guided them through the different areas of the store. At each stop, he explained the jobs available, the duties employees perform, and the expectations that come with those positions.
One message stood out throughout the Hy-Vee tour: attitude and pride in your work matter. Olsen encouraged students to understand that every job serves a purpose. Regardless of the position a person holds, showing up with a positive attitude, doing the job well, and taking pride in your work are important qualities employers value.
More Worksite Awareness Tours are already scheduled for this school year, but the program is currently looking for seven additional local businesses willing to participate.
Businesses do not need to prepare an elaborate presentation. A 30- to 45-minute tour showing students the workplace, introducing them to entry-level positions and job duties, and talking about what the business expects from its employees can make a lasting impact.
Local businesses of all kinds are encouraged to participate. By opening their doors for a short visit, businesses can help students better understand the opportunities available in their own communities while helping prepare the next generation of local workers.
Businesses interested in hosting a River Bend Worksite Awareness Tour are encouraged to contact River Bend at 507-359-8780 for more information.