At Brooklyn Center Community Schools, our mission is to become a justice-centered school community who fuels the unique genius of each student. Through this series called Beyond the Classroom, we highlight opportunities that our students have both in and out of the classroom to find their purpose. We observe how our community schools model ensures all of our children are socially, mentally and physically prepared for an ever-changing world.
At the College and Career Center (CCC) at Brooklyn Center Middle and High School STEAM, you’ll find BC scholars pursuing opportunities that wait for them beyond school walls. Whether it’s planning a local university visit or applying for an internship, there’s something for everyone here.
One way that scholars prepare for their futures at BCCS is with PSEO classes through local community and technical colleges. Another is through paid opportunities. “We’ll help support students at the CCC with job searches and practicing their interviews,” said Jackie Hayden, college and career coordinator.
Through community partnerships with local organizations like Brooklynk and Genesys Works, the work is often built into students’ school schedules. “Brooklynk offers paid internships during the summer. They can pay up to $22 an hour and provide mentorship and other support,” said Hayden.
Through Genesys Works, students entering their senior year of high school spend the summer training with coaches to learn valuable professional skills for the corporate world. After their training, they are matched with a major corporation to intern at during their senior year. Scholars receive not only professional skills, but a chance to network with those already in the workforce. “A college graduate who completed a Genesys Works training and internship in high school earns $10,000 more per year than the average college graduate,” said Hayden.
Learn more about Genesys Works.
BC students who are searching for another route to obtain tangible experience look to the trades.
BCCS is proud to offer a growing number of Career and Technical Education (CTE) partnerships as well as AVID and College and Career Readiness courses and opportunities. BC is one of two districts that participate in the Finishing Trades Program with Finishing Trades Institute. Four BC students are currently piloting this program this year, and they head to Little Canada each week for their classes to work hands-on. At the end of the program, they will be paired with construction trades unions.
More CTE partnership program opportunities include:
- Manufacturing Youth Apprenticeship Program
- Paid Retail Experience with Goodwill
- Apprenticeships within the district (Cooks Helper, Office Assistant, Media Center Assistant)
- Work Based Learning Program where students can earn school credit for working
- Paid Landscaping Apprenticeship through the TreeTrust’s Branches Program
- Minnesota Trades Construction Internship
“Our College and Career Center is really hands-on, and we leverage our community partners to bring in these opportunities for students so they can continue to learn outside of the classroom, earn higher wages in their careers and feel more fulfilled,” said Hayden. “Our community schools model really focuses on these partnerships. We know we can't do this work alone. We rely on our partners and they rely on us to connect our students with meaningful programs. We’re grateful to them for all their support.”
To see how our students at BCHS are preparing for college and career, follow @bccollegecareer on Instagram and TikTok.
BC Scholars learn about Hennepin Technical College at the CCC
BC Scholars on a visit to the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
College and Career class students on a field trip to the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post
College and Career class students on a field trip to the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis
Original source can be found here.
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