Elkhart Area Career Center

On Wednesday, September 16, we celebrated our first of multiple programs that have been state-approved to be part of the State Earn and Learn program (SEAL). Business partners can earn money from the state when they partner with Work-Based Learning programs either with youth or in the adult education platforms. Our celebration occurred at Growing Kids Learning Center in Elkhart. Barb Gingerich the Early Childhood Education educator had this to say about the partnership with Growing Kids Learning Center

“I believe strongly that we in education can and should prepare students for real-world situations. The apprenticeship program with Growing Kids allows EACC students valuable work and life skills. Knowledge of early childhood is learned through hands-on experience. The students gain expertise, the employer gains experienced staff members. It is a win-win for all involved.

On Wednesday, August 26, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski toured the new ETI (Engineering, Technology, and Innovation) Building and the new Diesel Service Technology Building. The new facilities create modern innovated spaces for hands-on learning and collaboration. The ETI building contains the Automation & Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Mechatronics, and Welding Technology Programs, as well as a few core academic classes. The new Diesel Service Technology building has classroom spaces, collaboration spaces, and a full-size diesel shop. Students attending the ETI school will be participating in either Manufacturing and Engineering, Computers, Transportation, or Construction Pathways. Students utilizing the Diesel Service Technology Building will be part of Transportation Pathways. Each pathway will offer a student-centered curriculum with several opportunities for inquiry and collaboration through project-based learning (PBL).

We are very thankful that we are able to provide instruction in person .....but there have been a few changes. We have five different locations where students have been assigned to enter the building and have their temperatures taken. Once they enter the building, they use the hand sanitizer and head to their appropriate programs. Bathrooms, common areas, doors, etc. are cleaned between classes and foot-activated water stations have been installed around the school. Students attend in person three days a week and have online instruction two days a week one week and then have two days of in-person instruction and three days of online instruction on alternating weeks. This schedule has provided the opportunity to reduce class sizes and allow social distancing.

The 2020 Employability Skills Panel is scheduled for Monday, October 19, and Tuesday, October 20. With the COVID restrictions and guidelines, we will be holding a virtual event with advisory members and business partners. If you would like to participate in this event, please email Heidi Krusenklaus at hkrusenklaus@elkhart.k12.in.us. This year’s focus will again be helping our students understand the need in developing their 21st Century/soft skills – work ethic, attitude, character, teamwork, and communication. We know these skills are the keys to being a successful employee. We are hoping that you will again provide your expertise on this panel. The workplace topics will include, but are not limited to:

• Work Ethic

• Attitude

• Thinking for themselves without constant supervision (critical thinking/problem solving)

• Reliability/Dependability/Commitment

• Appropriate Attire

• Professionalism

• Customer Service

• Importance of setting goals

• Importance of giving back to the community

Email: hkrusenklaus@elkhart.k12.in.us
Website: myeacc.org
Location: Elkhart Area Career Center, California Road, Elkhart, IN, USA
Phone: 574-262-5650
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElkhartAreaCareerCenter/
Twitter: @ElkhartEACC

EACC Anti-discrimination Policy:

It is the policy of the Elkhart Community School Corporation not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, age, limited English proficiency, or disability in its programs or employment policies as required by the Indiana Civil Rights Las (I.C: 22-9-1), the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX (Educational Amendments) and Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973). Questions concerning compliance with these laws should be directed to the Executive Director of the Elkhart Are Career Center.