The Greater Amsterdam School District (GASD) offers a New York state registered work-based learning program. Through this General Education Work Experience Program (GEWEP) students ages 14 and older explore career interests, gain work experience and develop the work readiness skills needed for entry-level employment. In addition, students are provided with feedback from employers and job coaches on how to develop their interpersonal skills. Once students meet the program requirements, they are able to earn the CDOS (Career Development and Occupational Studies) Commencement Credential. All Regents track students attending Amsterdam High School can participate in the GEWEP and can earn the CDOS Commencement Credential.

A student can earn the CDOS Commencement Credential at AHS in 1 of 4 ways:

1. Pass an approved Career and Technical Education program
   OR

2. Pass a minimum of 2 years of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)
   OR

3. Pass at least 1 elective business class and work a part-time job
   (must show proof of employment with paystub/W2)
   OR

4. Pass at least 1 elective business class and participate in the AHS Work-based learning program, which runs during the school day

The CDOS Commencement Credential can help students earn their high school diploma. If a student passes 4 Regents exams (1 ELA, 1 MATH, 1 SS, 1 SCIENCE), the 5th Regents exam can be replaced with the CDOS Commencement Credential.

Students can earn up to 3 elective credits on their transcript by participating in the General Education Work Experience Program (GEWEP).

9th/10th grade – maximum of 1 elective credit

• 150 work hours – .5 credit

• 300 work hours – 1 credit

11th/12th grade – maximum of 2 elective credits

• 150 work hours – .5 credit

• 300 work hours – 1 credit

• 450 work hours – 1.5 credits

• 600 work hours – 2 credits

For more information, please contact CDOS Office (located in E3):