School-To-Work Zone Awards
What does it take to be a School-To-Work Zone? In order to be officially recognized, a business must participate in at least four of the following activities: Assisting in career exploration, establishing academic standards, or curriculum development activities. Offering teacher internships, student internships, mentoring, or job shadowing. Providing youth apprenticeships, assisting in a school based enterprise, or helping students with the resume, job search and interviewing skills needed to land a job. Underwriting the cost of a school initiative, speaking to a school group, or helping students with special needs all qualify one for a special STW Zone status.
While we are proud of all of our local businesses who participate in School-To-Work, there are a few businesses who stand out as leaders in School-To-Work activities. In order to be recognized as a School-To-Work Zone, a business has really shown it's commitment to education and career training. To be singled out for Silver award status is a true honor. This year only 3 awards were handed out over a 5 county area, 2 of the winners were from Gilchrist County and appear on this page. While we hope that many more businesses will become recognized as STW Zones, these businesses have shown themselves to be real community leaders by being the first to make a commitment to their local young people and we would like to recognize them for what they have done.
Ayers Health & Rehabilitation Center
Silver Award Winner
Medic Ayers has participated in the planning phase of STW as well as serving on an advisory council for the Academy of Health Related Professions. This company has had a great deal to do with the success of the Health Academy at Bell High School. Once Health Academy instructors have taught students the basics of how to administer care, Ayers has allowed the students to work in their care facility, applying their newfound skills. Because of this partnership, it has been possible for a number of students to log in the 40 clinical hours required to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). The students are not the only one's to benefit however. Joanna Buckles, Administrator of the facility stated that many of the staff have come to rely on the extra help that they recieve from their student partners, so apparently this is an arrangements whereby everyone benefits. The Health Academy and Gilchrist County Schools are thankful for the help they have recieved from Medic Ayers, and are glad that they in turn have provided a valuable service.
School-To-Work initiative congratulates Ayers Health and Rehabilitation Center.Left to right --, Cindy Slaughter-Ayers Health and Rehabilitation Center, Michael McElroy- President Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce, Don Thomas- Gilchrist County Schools Superintendent
This company was one of the first area businesses to actually approach Gilchrist County Schools and ask to participate in the STW program. Hunter had certain jobs that required a lot of technical training, but were having trouble finding qualified persons to fill them. Hunter Production Manager Mike Williams stated that it was taking his company about three months to teach a motivated employee how to refinish the outer hull of their yachts. Hunter was discerning enough to realize that local high school students could be taught these skills, filling the void they were experiencing in their labor force, and aquiring a valuable skill that they can certainly market in a state like Florida. Hunter trained a Bell teacher, Bill Martin, who in turn taught these skills to
a group of students who would leave in the afternoon to work at Hunter. In all, nine students are participating in on-the-job training at Hunter.
Mike Williams of Hunter Marine accepts the Silver School-To-Work-Zone Award May 8, at Career Expo, Left to right --, Mike Williams-Production Manager Hunter Marine, Michael McElroy- President Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce, Don Thomas- Gilchrist County Schools Superintendent
North Florida Holsteins (NFLH)
NFLH has been a partner in Gilchrist county education for many years, and is behind School-To-Work 100 percent. Charlie Smith has represented NFLH on committees examining block scheduling, Health Academy implementation, and Local STW Planning. NFLH has been active in helping FFA students learn how to judge the quality of livestock. Don Bennick, Managing Partner of NFLH, has also provided computer equipment for several classrooms at Bell High, and has participated in the Career Expo since it's founding in 1994. Gilchrist County Schools are honored to work with NFLH, and look forward to developing partnerships with businesses the calibre of this one.
North Florida Holsteins is commended for their continued support through the School-To-Work initiative. Charlie Smith representing NFLH accepts the plaque. Left to Right: Michael McElroy- President Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce, Paula Fugel- School-To-Work Coordinator, Charlie Smith- Accountant NFLH, Don Thomas- Gilchrist County Schools Superintendent,
Jason Arndt- STW Business Liaison.
You will be seeing this list grow as many other businesses follow the lead of these pioneers, so check back occasionally and see which businesses are ready to be counted in favor of education.
Acadamies
What's New with STW?
Gold Seal Scholarship
Forms for download
Participating Businesses
What is STW?
STW@afn.org