GRCA Commerce Quarterly Summer 2019 - 11

GreaterReading.org

'Shark Tank' mentors play a critical role in making real-world
connections with students. Their outside perspectives help add a
level of accountability and legitimacy to a school project.
"Including the mentorship component gave this research
project the authenticity it deserved to address a community need,
workforce priorities, and student interest, investment, and career
acquisition," said program administrator Charlie Trovato, Office
of Professional Development and Curriculum, Berks County
Intermediate Unit. "Connecting student project ideas to industry
professionals provided students a platform to practice and refine
their employability skills, presentation skills, problem-solving
skills, and prototyping abilities."
"While the students were ambitious and excited to work on
their projects, some found a hard time with time constraints and
sticking with the budget," Scull said. "This was where the mentors
had to step in and help keep them on track and make their ideas
plausible."

Providing staffing for:
Light Industrial
Warehouse / Distribution
Food Production
Industrial
Skilled Trades
Clerical & Professional

Students rely on mentors from different industries to share
insights on project management and offer ideas to help guide
students; the teachers offer day-to-day STEM knowledge.
Mentors and educators alike rave about the Shark Tank
presentations. "I was surprised by some of the ideas the students
had. You could tell that the students were passionate about their
ideas and that this was much more than another grade to them,"
said Scull.
That's probably why there are already 30 spots filled for this
school year's 'Shark Tank' mentors, representing roughly 20 local
businesses and five higher learning institutions. Three of the
mentors are also graduates from Wilson's ISTEM program who
landed jobs in the STEM field.
"I remember just how much the program helped me in realizing
my goal in the field of engineering. I wanted the opportunity to
help students just as I was helped by (mentors in) the program,"
said Scull. That early introduction helped lead to a much greater
opportunity: He currently works at one of the companies, years
after meeting them as a student.
To keep the curriculum innovative and skills relevant to local
employment needs, the advisory council of business/industry
leaders spent countless hours helping to develop the mentorship
program with valuable feedback and resources to enhance students'
experiences.

Invest in Students, Build a Better Berks
Consider investing time and resources in paving career paths in
Berks-you'll inspire students, help prepare the future workforce
and continue building economic growth for our community.

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11
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GRCA Commerce Quarterly Summer 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRCA Commerce Quarterly Summer 2019
