Partnerships and Paradigms for a Brighter LaGrange County
Attending a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event may seem small, like it’s insignificant. I contest that it matters. Those arranging the gathering include individuals close to the project and perhaps the broader community, to pause long enough to capture this moment in time. It’s a turning point for someone, or something, or somewhere.
In this case, it’s a large room with new equipment, workstations, and ample room to work. What’s significant isn’t the fancy equipment as much as the broad cross-section of individuals present. It may seem peculiar that three K-12 superintendents, teachers, workforce representatives, business owners, economic development advocates, foundation staff, and technical instructors in LaGrange attended a career and technical education function. They showed up on a beautiful July evening when they could have been elsewhere.
All these unmatched individuals have something in common. They recognize the value of supporting young people as they navigate their futures. They’re demonstrating that by working together to provide hands-on experiences and, even better, credentials, students in a new CTE program called Learn to Work at Lakeland High School can exit with a diploma and a promising career opportunity close to home.
The program, based on the Purdue IN-MAC model, enables students to earn a credential in an area with a shortage of skilled workers. Lisa Deck, the architect of the Pathways System, said, “The goal is bigger than preparing students for their first job. It is about helping them strengthen their academic, technical and professional skills while gaining the experiences and information needed to make confident decisions about their futures.”
Just ask the President and CEO of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corp. Sherri Johnston, and she’ll attest that Learn to Work is about building a stronger future for LaGrange County.
“By connecting students with real-world manufacturing experiences and the skills employers are looking for, we're creating a talent pipeline that benefits both our young people and our businesses,” Johnston said. “Success means students discovering rewarding careers close to home, manufacturers finding the workforce they need, and our community becoming even stronger because of those relationships.”
This kind of program requires a lot more than one entity to be successful; it requires a community effort if you want it to last. Employers are engaged as Exos, J.O. Mory, Inc. S&H Metal, Lakeland High School, Prairie Heights High School, Westview High School, Lagrange County Economic Development Corporation and Ivy Tech Community College are collaborating to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
And finally, the greater LaGrange community is stepping up to encourage students to be open to what’s now in front of them. These authentic community-led partnerships are supporting a new paradigm shift. Anyone can support these efforts, and the more who do, the better the outcomes for our region. And, if attendance at the Learn to Work ribbon-cutting is any indicator, Lakeland students have a bright future with their new CTE program, and so does the county.