Groton summer career academies give students real-world career experience

The mission of the Groton Central School District (GCSD) is to “empower all students to reach their fullest potential and thrive in a diverse, ever-changing world,” and its vision is to “ignite the passion for learning and inspire unique pathways to success.” To that end, the Jr./Sr. high school (GHS) and the elementary school are both equipped with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning centers, which have already enhanced the learning environment for GCSD’s students in countless ways.

Adding even more opportunities for students is the Groton Career Center (GCC), a vision made reality of Billie Downs, GCSD’s K-12 district administrator.  The GCC, which Downs also directs, opened this past academic year in GHS.

“Through the establishment of a career center, the GCSD is committed to offering multiple programs connecting students with local businesses to make learning in the classroom more authentic,” said Margo Martin, GCSD superintendent. “This is done through career exploration and planning, career academies, and opportunities for students to participate in industry-driven programs of study, either through traditional curriculum within the schools or by student participation in dual-enrollment courses, STEAM programming and CTE [career and technical education] programming.”

This past summer, Downs organized and ran four career academies for GHS students, funded by an American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ARP-ESSER) grant: 

• Skilled Trades: Plumbing, carpentry, electric, masonry, auto repair, small engine repair, landscaping and a universal technical institute 
• Law and Public Safety:, Crime scene investigation, fire and rescue, physical training, SWAT and special training, K-9 training, emergency services, tools and technology and jail tours 
• Health Sciences: Emergency services, veterinary science, specialists and technicians, dietitians and nutritionists, dentistry, physical therapy, sports medicine and athletic training 
• Hospitality and Entertainment: Hotel and restaurant management, resort management and event planning, sports management, digital media and broadcasting and music and entertainment

“The career academies were created to give students experience and exposure,” Downs said. “Not to pinpoint a specific job for students to start pursuing and planning for, but to have these experiences and begin to connect the dots between who they are and what they might want to do in the future, in a safe environment where they’re supported through it. We want them to be happy, find a career that they love to do and are good at and that they can make money doing.”

“Using an `earn while you learn’ approach, our students were able to sign up for these academies to explore various jobs within the field in a fun, hands-on and meaning-based approach,” Martin said. “Academies hosted local professionals as guest speakers, provided real-world activities and on-the-job tasks for students to complete, and included field trips to businesses. Students were able to attend events and network with professionals to gain a better understanding of the different workplace environments and career options within each industry. Students who successfully completed each academy earned a $250 stipend. More importantly, they learned how to communicate in the adult world of work, saw how the name of a career came to life by being exposed to what specific professionals actually did in the course of a workday, and began to gain an understanding about their own interests and skill sets and how those might apply to what they choose to do as a career.”

Most of the students who attended had much to say about their experiences, such as Cecile Rose, who said, “Work doesn’t have to be boring. It can be something you love. Almost every job you get along with your coworkers like family, and your career you choose in high school doesn’t have to be what you choose to do.”

Kendall Eldred noted, “My favorite parts of the week were getting to see in a real perspective what working in those careers on a daily basis are like and getting to do activities and games that were like their career so we got to know what it felt like to do what they do.” 

Riley Vliet said her favorite part was “getting to learn about the hospitality and entertainment field, as well as experience it firsthand by going to see them work and [asking] questions to help build our understanding.”

Erica Miranda said she learned a lot about social skills, and Jillian Zigenfus advised, “Be open minded. There are many different careers within a career industry. Do what you want to do and be happy doing it.”

“I learned the different jobs in a hospital and that you need to have a good work ethic and be willing to expand what you already know,” said Kadyn Casterline. “Be a good person — someone that is willing and hirable.”

“I learned how to operate heavy equipment, and that skilled trades was lots of different jobs that you can be a part of, and I learned how to make a charcuterie board,” said Colin O’Brien.

“This academy helped me develop a better understanding of what I need to do for the future!” said Madison Finch, and Alyssa Slater said, “Take every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, [and] don’t be surprised if you never work in the field you went to college for.”

“Community members and businesses played a significant role in the success of this program through their volunteering to work with our students to bring a possible career pathway to life,” Martin noted. “In addition, the district was able to build relationships between the school and local businesses and organizations needed, which we hope to expand upon throughout the school year by providing students opportunities throughout their high school career that will identify their strengths, areas of interest, core values and possible career paths.”

“Our local professionals who joined us were awesome!” Downs added. “Not only did they give their time to share their experiences and advice and come up with creative things for the students to do, but they shared their passion and their pride in what they do, and that was really impactful to our students. We couldn’t have done this without them!”

Two other important players who Downs said were invaluable in assisting with the academies were Brynn Blasz and Andrew Saam, 2024 GHS alumni and summer interns at the school, who are both already off to pursue their own career aspirations at Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland, respectively.

Together, Blasz and Saam created these videos on the GCSD website, which feature an amazing compilation of all the academy activities. Blasz said it took them over a week and half to produce, and that doesn’t even account for the hours they spent shooting all the footage!

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922. 

In brief:

Labor Day 5K

The 27th annual Groton Labor Day 5K Run & Walk event will take place Monday, Sept. 2, beginning and ending at the Groton Jr./Sr. High School track at 400 Peru Rd. This popular and much-anticipated race is sponsored by Groton Cross-Country and The Groton Project and is a fundraiser for the Groton High School varsity cross-country program.

Register ahead at RunSignUp.com and search there for “Groton Labor Day 5K.” On-site registration will take place from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. The fun run takes off at 9 a.m., and the 5K at 9:30 a.m. There is ample parking available. There will be ribbons awarded to every finisher, and plaques, medals and gift certificates for finishers in various categories.  

For additional information, contact Scott Weeks at sweeks@groton.cnyric.org.

Eat lunch, support soccer program

The Smash Me 607 food truck will be cooking up some delicious smash burgers and other options from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3 at the Groton Jr./Sr. High School, 400 Peru Rd., with 15% of the proceeds to benefit the GHS girls varsity soccer program. The first 100 community members in attendance will receive a mini soccer squish ball.

American Legion blood drive

The Groton American Legion Post 800 will proudly sponsor a community blood drive through the American Red Cross in the Legion Hall, 307 Main St., from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. To schedule an appointment to donate, call 800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.