Stanley County High School Launches CTE Program
“CTE stands for Career and Technical Education, which is a program of study that helps students develop the skills and knowledge to prepare for a variety of careers. CTE programs are offered in middle and high school, and can help students prepare for post-secondary opportunities like college.”
Standing in the middle of what used to be the agriculture building on Stanley County High School (SCHS) campus on a crisp first day of October was an exhilarating experience. Joining me for a Facebook Live interview was John Anders, SCHS CTE Shop Teacher, and Student Advisor Nichole Hahn.
Both SCHS employees have been instrumental in the development of the new CTE program. Hahn applied for the grants that have made all the equipment and renovations possible. Anders has long been dedicated to teaching shop classes. He spent 20 years in the town of White River doing just that and previous years in McLaughlin teaching shop. You might say a lifetime of dedication to his profession.
When Hahn applied for a $$245,827 CTE grant last spring, she began a long wait to find out whether Stanley County would get the grant. In June she found that they had received the grant so work began in the summer to clean out the agriculture building to make way for 6 welding booths and a lot of other equipment for woodworking and metal working. The school also received $17,000 in other grants and will find out October 9th whether they will receive a $20,000 South Dakota Community Foundation grant. When asked what will be done with the additional grant money, Anders replied, more tools and equipment to get these kids ready for technical schools.
Hahn said the grant was specific as to how the funds could be spent with electrical, furnishings and equipment top of the list. The CDL Simulator arrived this week and a small class is registered for the first semester on CDL training. They will still need to drive an actual truck to get their certificate. The CDL Simulator can also be used to train snow plow drivers. Hahn would like to look into getting a nursing program simulator.
Four welding classes are being offered as well as wood working. The Rotary club has asked for students to make 15 steel benches and they are making wooden pallets for the UPS Store. Morris, Inc. and A-G-E are community mentors for the programs. Hahn is looking into getting more sewing machines and cooking supplies for the Home Economics classes. Anders, would like to eventually offer workforce classes for the community and a CAD program for students to design projects that can then be completed in class.
As Stanley County High School prepares to ride the wave of the future, the community of Fort Pierre needs to ask how they can help. The CTE program will help grow the community workforce and is an investment in the future of Fort Pierre. How can businesses help?
SCHS will be doing the Build Dakota Road Show again on October 7 at 2 p.m. Last year 5 students took advantage of this matching program for businesses. Businesses are being sought to participate this year. Mock Interviews will take place Thursday, October 24, from 12:50-1:30 p.m. Business representatives are needed to conduct interviews. Contact Nichole Hahn, Nichole.Hahn@k12.sd.us or 605-223-7741 Ext. 205.
(Photo Caption: CTE Shop Instructor John Anders shows student how to use cutting torch.)