Launched in 2016, Churchville-Chili Middle School’s career preparation program Career Connections has become an integral learning experience for curious fifth and sixth graders as they begin to consider their future goals and plans. Thanks to the participation of many professionals and experts from local businesses, organizations, and educational centers, the program has introduced hundreds of students to scores of potential career paths.
The program has been organized and guided by Enrichment Specialists Patti Saucke, Andrea Lynch, and Stephanie Ricci. It features hands-on activities with experts in diverse fields, from architecture and theatre to computer programming, advanced manufacturing, and robotics. Students participate in several different workshops based on their interests. It is often their first, and most memorable, introduction to the exciting variety of career options. Lynch said, “One of our eighth graders walked by a workshop the other day and immediately recognized it. He stopped to tell us that Career Connections was his favorite day of sixth grade.”
“Presenters sometimes don’t realize the immense impact they are having on our students,” she said. “Like the student who said after a workshop, ‘Thank you for introducing me to my perfect career that I didn’t know even existed.’ How awesome is that?”
Said Lynch, “Research has shown that the earlier we start exposing students to career pathways, the better chance we have of helping students to not only see relevance with what they are learning in school, but also helping them to understand the possibilities for career pathways as they move up into the high school.”
As students progress, the district’s schools continue to provide opportunities and support, like Grades 7-8 Middle School trips to the Career and Technical Education Center at WEMOCO, Ninth Grade Academy Career Day (that brings professionals in from all over the community to speak directly with students), and many more targeted college and career-oriented events, clubs, and formal Career Counseling at the Senior High School.
“The past year has been challenging for the Career Connections program,” said Saucke. “Professionals at local companies and organizations are focused on core business. Their time is at a premium. We understand that. The amazing folks who find the time to work with us to support our students are really heroes.”
Anyone who would like to be a hero, recruit future employees for their company, or introduce the next generation to their chosen field, can contact Andrea Lynch at alynch@cccsd.org and volunteer to host a Career Connections workshop (or fill out the form at https://forms.gle/yGRp2MUt9hcvdGBc6 to be contacted by the enrichment team). Retirees, parents, alumni, or community members with experience to share are welcomed. Upcoming workshops include healthcare, energy, agriculture, food service, law, public safety, construction, engineering, communication, and the arts.
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