Programs Bridge Gap Between Schools, Businesses
Published Jul 08, 2008
Elk Grove High School offers a variety of career-oriented classes.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Career Technical Education Initiative has focused attention on career-training programs aimed at students who will enter the workforce after high school.
The initiative includes budgeting millions to train students and supply California with skilled workers. It also encourages high schools to partner with community colleges and the private sector.
In Sacramento, a nonprofit organization called Linking Education to Economic Development is bridging the gap between schools and businesses. LEED functions as a clearinghouse, working with employers, educators and civic partners to define and meet workforce needs.
“Quality preparation of our workforce is a critical component of economic development,” says LEED Chief Executive David Butler.
The organization works with more than 1,000 students in 16 schools and plans to extend its reach to 21 schools. “Within our region, there is significant energy at the high school level to deliver high school education in a way that is relevant to students’ future occupations,” Butler says.
At Elk Grove High School in Sacramento County, student development includes a variety of career technical education programs such as agriculture, automotive, culinary arts, floral design and welding.
“We try to maintain a balance of work ethic and responsibility while offering challenging coursework,” says Mike Albiani, Elk Grove’s ag department chairman. “There is a real demand up and down the valley, and these are career jobs – jobs that pay.”
Story by Leanne Libby
Photo by Jeff Adkins
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