Mr. G, counselor at Holland Intermediate began the Manufacturing Kit with the 4th grade students.

On Friday, November 17th, Waterville Primary School hosted Career Day, which is an annual event that includes all students in the school (Kindergarten - 4th Grade). Community volunteers came in to lead presentations to students, highlighting the basic responsibilities of their career and the education/training that is needed to enter this career field. Many of them offered interactive practice activities to demonstrate specific aspects of their careers. Throughout the day, classroom teachers led their students through 5 different career rotations. Students were able to rate their level of interest in each career they saw.

While participating in these Career rotations is typically fun and exciting, there are some neurodiverse learners who have sometimes struggled with the frequent transitions between presenters. Another challenge that Career Day can present is that it can become difficult to keep students' attention - especially if the presentations are structured in a way that does not necessarily meet all learning styles. Penta's K-12 Career Awareness program was able to better support these learners this year by providing various Career Cluster kits, which offer interactive, hands-on learning opportunities. These kits traveled with teachers to their classes' different career presentations. They were available to keep all students fully engaged and to deepen their understanding of each career they were learning about. The Career kits were a truly wonderful addition to the Career Day event! They helped us to better reach every one of our young learners and to provide a truly meaningful and memorable experience for all students!

In collaboration with our dedicated educators, we introduced YouScience Discovery to 8th graders at Eastwood Middle School and 8th and 9th graders at Bowling Green Middle and High School. This initiative marks a significant step forward in providing our students with valuable insights into their strengths and aptitudes, ultimately empowering them to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.

We are excited to witness the positive impact this initiative will have on the lives of our students as they gain a deeper understanding of their natural talents and explore exciting career possibilities.

As we continue to prioritize the holistic development of our students, we look forward to further collaborations and initiatives that enhance their educational experience.

It sounds like Mrs. May's Career Connection classes had an interesting and hands-on experience in their Arts and Communications Career Pathway, particularly with a guest speaker from the Ohio Natural Energy Institute. Making lip balm can be a creative and practical activity that ties into various aspects of the arts and communications field.

Here are a few potential connections and benefits from this activity:

Hands-on Learning

Connection to Natural Energy Institute

Creativity and Product Development

Communication Skills

Entrepreneurial Thinking

Career Exploration

It's great to see educators incorporating real-world experiences and guest speakers to enrich students' understanding of different career pathways.

Penta offers a variety of programs that fall under the Manufacturing Career Cluster.

• Computer-Aided Design is developed for students interested in a career in the drafting and engineering fields of mechanical and civil design. Using state-of-the-art computers and design software, students learn the drafting and engineering concepts required to generate high-quality industry standard drawings.

• Precision Machining is designed for students interested in careers in areas such as: machining, tool and die, CNC programming/operation, millwright, robotics, and engineering. This program offers a high earning potential and a wide array of career choices. Students learn to apply the concepts of the various manufacturing technologies on both manual and state-of-the-art machines

• Robotics & Automation provides students with skills applicable to careers in engineering and the industrial field. Students will learn electrical and electronic fundamentals, automated machinery components, and control system design. They’ll also learn how to program industrial control devices and robots. Students enrolled in this program can directly enter the workforce in an entry-level capacity, or choose to further their education after graduation.

• Welding students become proficient in performing welding processes, reading blueprints and welding symbols, and developing safe work habits. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for skilled trades apprenticeships, weld and fabricate metal, read and interpret blueprints, and operate CNC fabrication equipment.

It's fantastic to hear about the success of the revamped career and college readiness process at Bowling Green High School! The integration of the YouScience database seems to be making a significant positive impact on students' understanding of their aptitudes, interests, and potential career paths.

The structured approach across the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years ensures that students have a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and potential career matches. The utilization of the 11 Aptitude Assessments in the freshman year is a great foundation, allowing students to gain insights into their interpersonal styles, talents, and work approaches early on.

The progression into sophomore year, where students dive further into the YouScience data and explore best-fit careers based on assessments, demonstrates a thoughtful and developmental approach. This sets the stage for more focused exploration and research into specific career options, including the required education and potential salaries.

The inclusion of college readiness activities in the junior and senior years, such as exploring college data within the YouScience program, researching colleges related to chosen careers, and practicing resume building and essay writing, prepares students effectively for life after graduation. It's commendable that students can save their preferred careers and use the program to reflect on their goals each year, fostering continuous self-assessment and growth.

Moreover, the program's benefits for high school staff in guiding individual conferences with students regarding their future plans are significant. The data-driven insights provided by YouScience not only empower students but also enable counselors to provide personalized guidance and support.

Overall, it sounds like Bowling Green High School has implemented a well-rounded and effective college and career readiness program. It's inspiring to see the commitment to helping students explore and plan for their futures in such a structured and thoughtful manner. Congratulations to Doug Niekamp, Lori Maas, Amanda McBride, and the entire school community on the success of this initiative!

Email: acarey@pentacc.org, memerine@pentacc.org

Website: https://www.pentacareercenter.org/CareerAwarenessforMemberDistrictsK-12.aspx
Phone: 419-661-6468