Brainerd Lakes 2008 Relocation Guide - (Page 18) EDUCATION Bridge to the Future Connecting today’s students to tomorrow’s workforce In an effort to prepare for this area’s future workforce needs, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber has coordinated the formation of the Bridges Academies and Workplace Connection, an innovative partnership among five school districts— Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton, Pequot Lakes, Pillager, and StaplesMotley—Central Lakes College, area businesses, and the Chamber. This unique program is designed to connect business and education to ensure a viable workforce for the future. Courses in the Bridges Academies focus on high-demand, high-pay careers available here in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Students take part in three or four courses scheduled over a two-year period, for which they receive dual high school and college credit. These courses are available to all students who qualify, limited only by class size. For the 2007–08 school year, Career Academies include classes in applied engineering, health sciences, manufacturing technology, business and administration, and nursing. The Chamber will manage the Bridges Workplace Connection, according to Mary Gottsch, project director. This is the “onestop intermediary” for businesses, students, parents, and educators wanting to participate in the work-based learning activities offered. Research confirms that a workplace connection creates relevance, guides career and educational goals, and connects regional employers with graduates. The Bridges Workplace Connection will schedule services such as internships, job shadowing, business tours, classroom career speakers, career days, and teachers in the workplace. “The goal is to keep the education in tune with what’s happening in the job market,” says Theresa Sullivan, Theresa Sullivan, working to keep education in tune with the job market. resource partners administrator for Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and chairperson of opportunities. The Minnesota the Chamber Workforce Committee. “It’s Collaborative Online Learning Academy exciting from the perspective of schools and (MnCOLA) is a cooperative effort involvindustries working together, with the collaboing the Pillager, Pine River-Backus, Crosbyration across the communities and school disIronton, Aitkin, Pequot Lakes, and Brainerd tricts. We’ve got a great opportunity when we school districts. This program provides all work together.” online high school courses to students Throughout the Lakes Area, large and throughout the area and the state. Student small districts work together to provide students with the best possible educational CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 18 Brainerd Lakes Area Business & Relocation Guide
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