Career Pathways Newsletter

Happy New Year!

2019 was a productive year and we are excited to welcome 2020. The future is bright. Go Bears!

Career Pathway Highlights

In December, the Healthcare Career Pathway was busy! First, Cardiovascular ICU RN, Emily Otis visited Dustin Holman’s Introduction to Healthcare Careers course. Otis is one example of many guest speakers who dedicate their time and expertise for our students and staff. Next, a group of interested nursing students learned about the variety of ways to become a Registered Nurse. Finally, two groups of Certified Nursing Assistant students completed their clinicals at Cerenity Senior Care - White Bear Lake.

On December 12, a group of young women in STEM visited Microsoft Headquarters. Mari Dopkins (12), Grace Le Blanc (11), Annika Wolters (9), Fiona Wiltse (11), Camille Marrero (10), Hailey Highland (10), Lucille Fleming (9), and Hailey O’Leary (11) were selected to attend the annual event which hosts an opportunity for female students to learn about a variety of careers in Technology. From virtual reality to prototyping; we thank MN IT Center of Excellence and Microsoft Headquarters for hosting the wonderful event!

On December 19, WBL Career Pathways welcomed Rich Gustafson from General Mills who met with a group of students for the tech IT out series. 12 Juniors and Seniors learned about the wide variety of IT skills, educational paths, careers, and trending opportunities in this flexible and opportunistic industry.

New School Districts replicating WBL Career Pathways' Gen Z Connections Program

From one exciting experience to the next, WBLAS Career Pathways and the Gen Z graduates participated in a panel designed to share the WBLAS framework that many school districts are attempting to replicate as they continue to explore and expand career pathways opportunities.

Career Pathways Coordinator, Jenny Moore and Career Navigator, Michael McGarthwaite lead innovative programming to support high school graduates to be career and college ready upon graduation, as well as address the unique workforce issues in the NE Metro area. Seniors Kevin Lundgren, Gavin Tschida and Harris Brekke completed the 2019 Gen Z Connections program last summer within WBL Career Pathways. Gen Z Connections is a paid, experiential internship that provides students opportunities to learn and explore a variety of different careers in the Manufacturing, Engineering and Automotive Industries.

WBL Career Pathways is now accepting applications for the 2020 Season. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

WBL Career Pathways receives Walser Foundation Grant

WBL Career Pathways recently learned they received a grant from the Walser Foundation Group which will help Automotive Career Pathway students receive ALLDATA Certification. ALLDATA Certification proves that students have the skills and knowledge needed to use ALLDATA Repair at a professional level and will become a Certified Automotive Information Specialist (CAIS). Thank you!

Opportunities & Asks

• Are you an employer who is looking for some entry level IT employees? We have students who have a variety of skills and who are looking for part-time work to get started in the IT field. If this is you, please email jennifer.moore@isd624.org.

• Calling all employers! We have many students interested in a job shadow experience. If you are interested in hosting a student in your career field, please email Jenny Moore at jennifer.moore@isd624.org.

• Ever thought of having an intern? WBL Career Pathways can help you! We are currently gearing up for the 2020 Summer Season. If you would like WBL Career Pathways to help you create an internship that works for you, email Jenny Moore at jennifer.moore@isd624.org.