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STEMfest grant will fund school-to-work program at Pocahontas Area
Summary
Kristen Wilson, the district TLC coordinator, told the board the district won a STEMfest grant (reported in the meeting) to launch a school-to-work program offering CTE credits, certifications and community placements for juniors and seniors; district partners include local banks, clinics and employers.
The Pocahontas Area Comm School District will use a STEMfest grant to create a school-to-work program that gives high-school juniors and seniors hands-on, community-based learning and the opportunity to earn CTE credits and certifications, a district coordinator said.
Kristen Wilson, the TLC coordinator, told the board the district applied on short notice and partnered with district staff and community leaders to complete the application. The board packet recorded the awarded amount in the meeting as roughly $43,928 (reported in the discussion as "$43,92.80"), which will fund a school-to-work program to place students with local businesses and in-district roles such as preschool, food service and custodial work.
Partners and placements: Wilson listed partners who have agreed to participate or provide support, including Pocahontas State Bank, Elvia Bank, MedSock Express, Murray Law Firm, Pocahontas Record Democrat, Pocahontas Community Hospital, City of Pocahontas, Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce, Beam Real Estate, Wells Egg, OnPoint, Oddfellows, JD Plumbing and Iowa Central Community College.
Program goals: The program aims to increase community-engaged work opportunities, help students earn career-related credentials and connect students with local employers in fields of need. Wilson said placements could range from single-day visits to internships or apprenticeships and that the district will work with employers and the high school to accommodate student schedules.
Next steps: Administration will follow up with interested businesses, finalize placements and integrate the program into district offerings. The board praised the rapid work of staff to secure the grant and encouraged outreach to more employers.
Attribution: Presentation by Kristen Wilson; board expressed appreciation and offered support.
