The number of hours that a student can work during the school year has increased from 18 to 24, according to a recent memo issued by Michigan’s Deputy Superintendent, Sally Vaughn.
It is not necessary for employed students to get new work permits, but new permits must be used for new employees who are 16 or 17 years old, effective immediately. This is according to Vaughn’s memo, which was posted to the Michigan Department of Education website.
Senior Tyesha Mitchell says the change does not affect her. She was offered more hours when the state recently changed the limit, but she turned them down, she said.
Her job was arranged through the Oakland Technical Campus, so she earns a paycheck and school credits for her work. She works with newborn babies and their moms. She bathes the babies, feeds them and holds them when they cry. “With the moms, I take care of their vitals, which include blood pressures, temperatures, and heart rates. I help them up to the bathroom and much more,” Mitchell says.
Freshman DeAndre Wilcons was not affected by the policy change, either, he said. He works 12 hours a week at GameStop in Southfield, stocking the shelves. Wilcons said that he loves the 30 percent employee discount he gets on his games, and he gets to talk about games with customers and employees.
Minors ages 16-17 need work permits to work in Michigan. The yellow permits are available in school offices.
Vaughn’s memo directs people with questions about the policy change to e-mail Tara Bride at [email protected].