Career partnerships expand within Manchester school district

submitted by Maggie Hatcher, M.Ed., C.A.R.E. in Schools

Manchester Community Schools is taking some exciting steps to develop its career technology partnerships. Some of the initial apprenticeship programs that the district is offering include machinist and maintenance programs. In the coming years, they hope to offer programs in areas such as industrial maintenance mechanic, mechatronics technician, tool maker, and more.

Local unions are also involved, offering classes and recommendations for apprenticeship, as well as job shadowing and work experience opportunities. The school is also working with local manufacturing connections, potentially having 36 manufacturers on board. To continue to develop these programs, the school plans to register with JAMA and AMC, as well as the DOL, and build a schedule for the next year. It will be exciting to see how these programs develop and how they will benefit the students at Manchester Community Schools!

Manchester Community Schools continues to be proud of the unique and innovative program called Caife Aspire, led by Joe Walsh, that provides students with opportunities to explore and learn about entrepreneurship, STEM, and robotics. The program offers a range of exciting activities and initiatives that inspire kids to learn, create, and innovate. One of the highlights of the program is the fifth-grade soapbox derby, where students learn about aerodynamics and friction, and design and build their own soapbox racers to race against their classmates.

This hands-on learning experience helps students understand concepts in science and engineering, while also having fun. Another aspect of Caife Aspire is the Entrepreneurial STEM program, where students learn about business and forming an LLC, and then create their own businesses after identifying a need in the local community. The students use the money loaned to them to make a profit, and the program has resulted in the creation of several successful businesses, including Bamboo Accessories and More, 40-13, Burning Sensations, and Bender Baits.

Caife Aspire is a nonprofit organization that purchased the Nellie Ackerson Building to provide space for student businesses to expand and continue running their businesses after the class is concluded. The program also includes an underwater robotics program and a small engine repair program, as well as housing Manchester’s FIRST Robotics Team. In addition to these activities, Caife Aspire partners with Manchester Community Schools, the Village of Manchester, and various other nonprofits to offer a range of initiatives that benefit students and the community as a whole. Through Caife Aspire, Manchester Community Schools is helping to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future, and empowering them to become creative and successful entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders.

Caife Aspire was recently in the top five finalists for a multi-million-dollar production deal in which the student-led business would have created personalized products for a major national corporation. The student-led and -owned businesses currently hold a value in excess of $40,000, which is shared amongst the student owners who have the option of cashing out their shares upon graduation or continuing their investment.

Manchester Community Schools also continues their work with C.A.R.E. in Schools and is grateful for all who have participated and shared their voices and given their feedback so far. Another Community Connection night will be hosted at Riverside on February 27 at 5:30pm. Hoping to see everyone from the community there!

C.A.R.E. in Schools is also helping bring an exciting new STEM-related extracurricular activity to the Jr/Sr high school. Using the top-of-the-line eSports Learning Management System, Gameplan, Manchester High will be able to compete with other high schools throughout the EST time zone. eSports is a fun and innovative way for students to engage in team sports and enjoy healthy competition. More than 160 colleges and universities currently offer eSports scholarships and that number continues to grow. The promising opportunities that eSports provides go far beyond high school and MCS is proud to be the first school district in the county to offer this opportunity to middle and high school students.

All of these exciting opportunities are in part due to the last approved bond, and Manchester school leadership hopes to continue these opportunities when the current bond is renewed.

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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.