Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Work Based Learning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District, county economic development and PAC Foundation outline work‑based learning plans under STEM BEST grant
Summary
Officials and partners described an emerging work‑based learning initiative tied to a STEM BEST grant, reporting outreach to approximately 25 businesses and stressing the grant’s $26,000 scope and the need to resolve liability and insurance questions with partners.
Representatives from the district, the PAC Foundation and county economic development told the board on April 13 they are partnering to launch work‑based learning opportunities under a STEM BEST grant and to build stronger employer engagement across the county.
Jess Gilmore described meetings between school staff and county economic development to align grant requirements, career fairs, guest speakers and mock interviews. The group reported contacting roughly 25 businesses across the county to gauge interest in placements and partnerships; several business owners expressed concern about liability and workers’‑comp implications, and staff said they will gather guidance on those legal requirements from the grant and county partners.
Presenters said the STEM BEST grant funding available for initial programming is about $26,000 and that any activity that goes beyond the grant’s scope will require careful use of the grant money and likely additional district or county funds. Mary Jo and Kristen will meet with the team again to refine a rollout plan; the group hopes to have a progressing plan available for the 2026–27 school year.
Board members welcomed the collaboration, urged clear employer communications and noted potential partnership opportunities to build career pipelines after the Career Academy closure. Administrators said the district will continue to report back to the board as the program plan and legal guidance are clarified.
