4 minute read
Connecting Your Business to High Schools
How Delaware traditional high schools are committed to job readiness
BY BRIAN M. ERSKINE, ED.D.
IN RESPONSE to Delaware’s need for qualified workers in an everchanging global market, traditional high schools have gone through some recent changes. Schools are no longer only focused on reading, writing and mathematics, but have added a career readiness component to their curriculum. Delaware high schools are finding new ways to enhance their school’s vocational pathways by introducing work-based learning opportunities.
In many school districts, career readiness begins at the middle school level. In a collaboration with Rodel and Education First, many middle schools are piloting a career readiness course in the 2023 – 2024 school year. For example, the Colonial School District will create a program that will allow students to explore self-awareness, occupational identity, career options, and employability skills. By the time students complete the program, they will have strengthened their high school readiness and be able to best select one of the 24 different degree programs offered at William Penn High School.
At the high school level, students complete the necessary academic and technical courses that prepare students for post-secondary education or workforce training that is aligned with their career aspirations. Many high school career and technical education programs are aligned with the Delaware Pathways program and directly connected to the many different career clusters.
Despite high school’s hybrid approach to state vocational schools, local businesses are still looking for skilled employees. They often ask if schools are doing enough. At William Penn High School, the answer lies in their Work-Based Learning (WBL) program that connects students to dual enrollment college courses and work experiences with industry partners, all connected to their program of study.
Anna Morgan, the school’s WBL coordinator, spends her days working directly with students on their employability skills and finding them experiences with local businesses. A perfect example is the school’s relationship with Croda at Atlas Point. Located within the Colonial School District, Croda manufactures 100% bio-based surfactants and is committed to sustainable practices that are climate positive for the local community. The company has opened its doors to allow William Penn High School STEM students to tour their facility and speak directly to engineers and scientists. Croda often attends district events and provides financial support for student programs. For example, Croda funds select eleventh graders to attend the Bucknell University summer engineering program.
This WBL immersion experience allows students to apply academic, technical, and employability skills to real-world job experiences. According to Maryann Carroll, Croda’s regional community engagement manager, this partnership has been so successful that Croda hired two recent William Penn graduates and will assist them with college while working for the company.
Many schools are beginning to offer these WBL opportunities. Mike Trego, supervisor in the Appoquinimink School District, agrees that their high school students have benefited from working directly with industry professionals. But there is still more to do. Many schools have a WBL coordinator who can connect students, based on their pathway, with local businesses. Schools no longer want to work in isolation, but rather in collaboration with industry partners, asking them to dedicate financial and human resources. There are many ways in which business partners can connect with schools: mentoring, field trips, classroom visits, job shadowing, job training, career fairs, and internships.
When local businesses partner with local schools, the result is a stronger pipeline of workers and a stronger economy for the state of Delaware.
Brian Erskine is a supervisor of college and career readiness for the Colonial School District.
