When it comes to career and technical education (CTE), partnerships with employers, colleges and economic development agencies likely come to mind. Communities have another resource they can turn to in support of career exposure for kids: their local community foundation. Many of Southwest Initiative Foundation’s 31 community foundation partners make grants to schools for projects related to career exploration.
Earlier this school year, the Montevideo Area Community Foundation (MACF) granted half the cost to replace the safety helmets in the welding shop at Montevideo High School. Founded in 1993, MACF was created to be a permanent vehicle to serve the evolving needs of local organizations. Its mission is to inspire generosity and to promote philanthropy that benefits the Montevideo area, now and in the future.
“Every grant cycle, there’s always a good way to help put some foundation money into the schools,” said MACF Board Chair Krystal Lynne. “Knowing that the welding is a newer program, we knew that it would have a positive impact for hundreds of kids immediately and into the future.”
Montevideo High School (MHS) has more than 400 students, and CTE is offered at every grade level in the high school. Students can do job shadows, self-assessments, business tours, onsite work experiences, on-the-job training in determined career pathways, multiple levels of post-secondary education and other supported career activities. The five CTE teachers consult with industry professionals on curriculum and experiences to ensure graduates can be successful in future careers.
“Partnerships are key. To try to keep up with industry standards in the classroom is difficult because things change. That’s where we count on employers and grant funds to be able to get resources for the students,” said Kati Birhanzl, MHS Career Coordinator.
The welding program is a prime example of those partnerships. Recognizing a need in the welding area three years ago, Montevideo Public Schools Superintendent Wade McKittrick and local business owner Jamie Pauling came up with a plan for improvement. Jamie is one of the owners of local firm J&D Construction, which specializes in the design, build and maintenance of grain elevators, feed mills, ethanol plants and fertilizer plants.
Most days, three or four J&D employees are in the classroom teaching alongside agribusiness teacher Maquelah Miner and tackling real-world projects with students. J&D also offers summer internships. Jamie wanted students to have opportunities in high school to try out what they might not be able to otherwise.
“There are far less students today that get exposure to these types of opportunities at home than there used to be, and that can create a reluctance or fear to attempt it. The CTE classes allow them to overcome this and get a taste for CTE type careers,” Jamie said. “And technical careers are a high paying and satisfying job, and pretty fun too.”
There are many other business partnerships at MHS, ranging from a one-day classroom speaker up to the level of J&D’s involvement.
“One of my favorite parts of my job is partnerships and talking with employers. It’s so humbling, recognizing that we have that support. Very, very, very seldom do we hear ‘no,’ and it’s usually just a scheduling thing. They want us out there, they want to help, they want to talk to students,” Kati said.
