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Career Advantage presenters detail internships, scholarships and postsecondary pathways
Summary
Career Advantage representatives and participating students described program growth (from 3 to 12 schools), paid internships, concurrent enrollment and scholarships; students said the program provided tools, internships and college credit that helped them secure jobs after graduation.
The board heard from Chris Grola of Career Advantage and several former and current students about how the program connects high-school students to career-technical training, employer mentorship and college credit.
Grola (speaker 8) explained Career Advantage grew from three to 12 participating schools and emphasized work-based learning, saying the program offers mentorship, industry tours, job shadowing and paid internships. "We started 3 schools. Now we're in 12," Grola said, describing the program's emphasis on economic development and reducing student debt through concurrent enrollment.
Students described concrete benefits. Ryan Wilson (speaker 7) said Career Advantage helped her obtain tools and college credit: "They got me over $10,000 worth of tools, before I graduated." James Van Den Banner (speaker 11) described work with a local electrical contractor and completing welding and electrical pathways, and another student recounted culinary placements.
Mr. Nickerson (speaker 2) and trustees noted Career Advantage provides pathways that can lead to immediate employment or continued postsecondary study, and they praised the program's coaching structure. Board members asked about the frequency of coaching conversations and how the program supports students through high-school and early college transitions.
