2024 Bolivar High School graduate Layla Sowells has made district history by becoming the first BHS student to successfully complete the Teaching Pathways Apprenticeship through the Missouri Department of Labor.

The Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship requires students to successfully complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. Sowells completed her required hours working at the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), gaining hands-on classroom experience while still in high school and continuing after graduation.

Throughout her apprenticeship, Sowells served as a teacher’s aide at Bolivar Middle School and Bolivar Intermediate School. Following her graduation from Bolivar High School, she accepted a paraprofessional position at Little Liberators, the district’s childcare program, where she now supports students in her own classroom.

“Completing my apprenticeship has brought me overwhelming happiness,” said Sowells. “Being able to be in the classroom early has made me feel so accomplished. Having my own room at the ECLC this year has been so exciting! I love my work family and the environment at the ECLC. BoMo Works has brought me the best opportunity I’ve had the privilege of taking!”

“Layla represents exactly what the Teaching Pathways apprenticeship is designed to accomplish,” said Ashley Clift, the BoMo Works instructor. “Her commitment, professionalism, and genuine love for students have been evident from day one. She embraced every opportunity to learn, and her success is a testament to what students can achieve when given real-world experiences and strong support.”

The Teaching Pathways Apprenticeship is part of Bolivar Schools BoMo Works program, which provides students with career-focused learning opportunities and direct pathways into the workforce. Sowells’ accomplishment underscores the district’s continued focus on developing future educators within the Bolivar community.