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District highlights college-and-career programming, new CTE pathways and dual-enrollment pilots
Summary
District staff described expanded college- and career-readiness activities from elementary career exposure to high-school CTE pathways, a Wilby freshmen college-success seminar and partnerships with workforce agencies and local colleges.
Nairi Toucette, district lead for college and career readiness, and Mike Maradi, supervisor of career and technical education, briefed the board on Feb. 13 about expanded career-exposure programs, CTE pathways and early-college pilots.
Toucette told the board that the district is extending college-and-career exposure into elementary and middle grades with assemblies, bulletin-board campaigns and events such as "Touch a Truck" that bring public-safety and trade professionals into schools. She said high schools are adding business, information-technology, health-sciences, education and engineering pathways and are working to increase employer partnerships.
The district is piloting a college-success seminar at Wilby for ninth graders in partnership with Post University that covers time management, study skills and well-being with the aim of offering college credit, Toucette said. She also described RISE Network coaching to improve FAFSA completion at Crosby, Kennedy and Wilby, and mentioned programs that give students early exposure to careers: Ed Rising (education pathway), Mind Ignite (virtual health-care career sessions), the Juris Doctor Academy at UConn Storrs, and a culinary credential program at Merriman aimed at post-graduation job placement.
Toucette said the district is working with workforce partners, including the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, on hands-on programs such as the MASC pre-apprentice program for manufacturing and carpentry and with local employers to create internships and job-shadow opportunities. The board discussed opening apprenticeship-style options with New England Laborers Training Association (NELTA) and building stronger industry mentorship and sponsorship for robotics and engineering teams.
Ending: Commissioners asked for more outreach to special-education students to expand work-based learning and transitional-job opportunities; staff said they are pursuing partnerships and summer internships that include students in transitional programs.
