Fremont Middle School pairs nine local employers with teams to teach career skills

Assistant principal Steve Anway told the board about a middle-school initiative that pairs each of nine grade-level teams with a local employer to teach professional skills and expose students to noncollege career pathways. He said the business partners’ direct financial contribution was modest: "their only cost was we asked them to pay the $30 to have their decal put up on the college decal," and emphasized that many companies also provide visits, materials and small donations.

Anway listed current partners, including Green Bay Packaging, Crown Battery, Motion Controls, Whirlpool and others, and said Green Bay Packaging has been especially active, scheduling visits each quarter and bringing small gifts that engaged students. He recounted an example in which a former student who heard a company presentation in eighth grade later returned to work at that company, saying the partnership had created a tangible employment outcome.

Board members and staff emphasized that the aim is to teach "professional skills" — showing up on time, maintaining a good attitude and work readiness — and to broaden students’ awareness of local opportunities. The superintendent and other board members said the program ties directly to the district’s strategic objective to cultivate reciprocal community partnerships and helps students consider both college and trade options.

What happens next: the district will continue inviting community partners to engage with teams and bring the model to other buildings during work-session presentations on the strategic plan.