A new partnership between a Dubois County school district and local businesses is transforming educational opportunities for Southridge High School students, offering hands-on experiences and paid internships.
The collaboration includes a partnership with OFS, a furniture manufacturer, which has introduced new equipment into the curriculum and provides an employee to guide students through its operation. This practical exposure is enhancing students’ skills and understanding of manufacturing processes.
Toyota is another key partner, with its employees giving students a firsthand look at production line work and other aspects of automotive manufacturing. This partnership adds significant value to the student’s learning experiences by providing insights into the industry.
The 4T advanced manufacturing class, which partners with Toyota, is tailored for juniors and seniors. This class aims to give students real-world experience and help them explore potential career paths in manufacturing. The practical knowledge gained through this partnership is helping students make more informed decisions about their future.
In addition to the Toyota partnership, another class at Southridge, focused on construction and manufacturing, collaborates with OFS. This class also benefits from hands-on learning and exposure to new equipment provided by the company.
The benefits of these collaborations are apparent in the classroom. Students are engaged and eager to learn, with some expressing enthusiasm for working on projects such as bookshelves and gaining practical experience through summer internships. These opportunities are not only enhancing their skills but also providing them with valuable industry insights.
Overall, the program is proving to be a win-win situation for both students and the businesses involved. The hands-on experience and practical knowledge gained are giving students a head start in their future careers, whether they choose to continue in manufacturing or explore other paths.
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