MIAMI COUNTY, Ind. – Peru, North Miami and Maconaquah school corporations this year will begin offering high school seniors a chance to enroll in the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate – a program which measures students’ academic effort and work ethic. All three school districts are set to launch this new state certification program that local officials hope will meet the workforce demands for area businesses. To receive the certificate, participants must excel in nine different areas, including teamwork, dependability and reliability. Seniors must also have a 98-percent or higher attendance record, and complete at least six hours of community service. In return, 10 Miami County businesses so far have agreed to give any student who receives the certificate a guaranteed job interview. Some of those employers are also offering any student who completes the program an increase in base pay, bonus vacation, tuition reimbursement and flexible scheduling. Jim Tidd, executive director of the Miami County Economic Development Authority, who initiated the program in the county, said the certificate is a way to teach students basic skills that many new hires are lacking. Area businesses interested in joining the program can contact MCEDA, or their local economic-development leaders.