May 2022
Career Pathways Newsletter
May 2022
Construct Tomorrow is Back !
After a 2-year pandemic hiatus, Construction Careers Foundation hosted Construct Tomorrow for high school students. On April 26, 25+ Construction Career Pathway students visited Forest Lake High School to learn about a variety of post-secondary career opportunities in the construction and building trade industries. Students received practical, one-on-one advice from experienced trades professionals, and from current apprentices who are thriving in apprenticeship programs. Thank you for such a great event. We are happy to be back at it!
In addition to the wonderful event, Construction Careers Foundation recently featured WBL Career Pathways in an article about how we are pushing for more equity in construction. You can read the article HERE.
WBLAHS Student Selected as HOSA State Officer
Congratulations to WBLAHS - Junior, Malia Hasselius for being chosen as one of the MN State Officers for HOSA. To be selected on the state team, Malia had to interview, pass a knowledge test, complete a teamwork project, and give a speech. Only 7 students were selected and we are so proud of the WBLAHS representation! During the 2022-23 school year, Malia will act as the statewide Activities Coordinator and will lead the HOSA group with other Healthcare Career Pathway students. Way to go Malia! We are so proud of you.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification Offered to Students
Congratulations to the 25+ seniors who completed the Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification training on April 23 and April 25. Students who are pursuing a variety of careers related to healthcare, mental wellness, childcare, or any other related career fields were invited to complete the training. The national certification was taught by WBLAHS Teachers, Shannon Riebow and Katie Marsh who not only offer training to our students, but also provide annual professional development training for staff members who work with students in grades 6-12. After this summer, 60+ students and 50+ staff members will be trained.
This sustainable training opportunity is available because of a Career Academies Initiative through Greater Twin Cities United Way. The role of Career Academies is to provide specialized funding, technical assistance, and coaching. Together, WBL Career Pathways and GTCUW work to ensure students in grades 9-14 have equitable access to college credits, rigorous and relevant curriculums, and meaningful and supportive work experiences.
WBLAHS - South Campus is officially a CNA Testing Site!
WBL Career Pathways is excited to announce that WBLAHS - South Campus officially became a CNA Testing Site for our CNA students. Every semester, Licensed School Nurse and CNA Instructor, Erica Largent teaches the CNA class which includes all the state required hours for classroom, lab, and skills instruction. This program allows students to have equitable access to a healthcare career and saves students an average of $1,500 per Nursing Assistant candidate. Students receive free training and get 4 college credits from Century College. A big thank you to Lynnette Lancor from Century College who helped us get our site approved with MN Department of Health.
WBLAHS Senior, Breleigh Smith said that having a WBLAHS - South Campus as a closed CNA test site "gives us an opportunity to feel comfortable and gives us access to the test. It also encourages students to complete their CNA certification. With the lack of CNAs, we definitely need this training." Breleigh plans to attend North Dakota State University next year to receive her BSN in nursing.
WBL Career Pathways receives grant from Cummins Foundation
Thank you to Cummins Foundation and industry partner, Callie DeFranco for selecting WBL Career Pathways to receive a $5,000 grant. This money will be used to support our Environmental Club, the new student coffee shop called "School Grounds" and our brand new Employer Match program for our summer internships. To date, WBL Career Pathways has written and received nearly $500,000 in grant funding! We could NOT do this work without amazing employers, industry partners, and grant opportunities to continue offering a variety of opportunities for our students. Thank you!
Thank You to:
- Rebecca Edberg from District 624 Human Resources for meeting with a Business Career Pathway student who wants to pursue a career in Human Resources after high school.
- WBLAHS Teacher, Tyler McCormick, for meeting with 25+ AVID students about pursuing a career in American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.