South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC) to host event for current and prospective students

The SWWC Open House & Business Showcase, "Preparing Tomorrow's Essential Employees Today," will take place on Tuesday, November 30 from 6 - 7:30 pm at Saline High School.

The Showcase is presented by the SWWC and the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC). 10th grade students from the six Consortium districts — Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, and Saline — following a SWWC presentation approximately two weeks prior in their respective school district, are invited to attend with their parents/guardians. Current 11th and 12th grade students enrolled in SWWC programs and their parents are also invited to attend.

A fun and interactive evening where students, parents, and business partners can come together to learn more about Career and Technical Education opportunities is planned. The SWWC Open House and Business Showcase will bring students from across the Southwest Washtenaw region, together with educators and business leaders, to share insight, experiences, and the value of career and technical education (CTE). Manchester students are invited to attend this special event.

Interactive areas for the students to participate in will provide fun, while visiting the classrooms and labs in which they are most interested will provide an educational aspect. Business leaders are invited to be present for questions and discussion. A representative from Washtenaw Community College (WCC) will be present as well.

A silent auction will be held during the event, include baked goods, student welding projects, and business donations, will provide support to the SWWC student organizations as well.

Students and parents may arrive when it is convenient. It is important to be aware, however, that the first half of the event, from 6 - 6:45 pm, will provide an opportunity for students to self-tour the facility (map will be provided and SWWC Student Council leaders will assist) and engage with four "stations." Participants will be provided a card to be stamped at each of the four locations. If a student visits all four stations, they will place the card, with their information in a box, to potentially win a monetary prize.

The four stations are planned to include:
- A picture in front of the green screen in the Studio with a background reflecting the student's career interest
- Creation of a treat in the Culinary lab to "make and take"
- Stop by the Washtenaw Community College (WCC) booth to receive information regarding articulated credit between the SWWC and WCC
- Take a picture in front of the "SWWC Twitter Takeover Station" to post on the SWWC Twitter page

The last 45 minutes (6:45 - 7:30 pm) offers an opportunity for students and parents to venture to the classroom/lab that most interests them or in which they are currently enrolled. Business and industry leaders will be present in the classrooms/labs. One business/industry leader will be scheduled to speak in each classroom/lab from 7 - 7:10 pm, to discuss the state of their respective industry as well as potential employment opportunities.

The goal of this event is to promote the SWWC CTE opportunities and connect 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, and Saline with local business and industry. Parents and students will gain a better understanding of the earning potential, options for further education, and communicate with different local businesses regarding employment opportunities — both now and in the future.

Mark Stevenson of the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, says, "I believe in students pursuing careers they can enjoy and be successful in. It is important for students to realize they can do something that they love and enjoy, while still being successful. Many students feel pressured to go to college, while unsure of what they want to do. I want to open students' and families' eyes to all the possibilities they have through the SWWC, inside and outside of that track.”

Business Leaders and Companies will find the event an opportunity to show what career paths and opportunities a student has when they participate in an aligned SWWC CTE program. Professionals can showcase their business information and be available for questions. Other opportunities will include silent auction items and/or other donations.

“I receive numerous phone calls each week from a variety of industries asking for employees," said Ryan Rowe, Executive Director of the SWWC. "It is the intent, through this event, to have business leaders meet with students to describe various career paths and opportunities. At the same time, parents can be informed and involved to support their child with a promising career path, that in turn benefits the community as a whole — now and in the future."

Help prepare tomorrow’s essential employees ... today! All information related to the Showcase can be found at: https://www.salineschools.org/schools/swwc/open-house/.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.