Meeting summary
Attendees: Harold, Don, Gregg, Mike, John, Kathy, Beckie and Cindy
District, where Stephanie Lippert, the CTE Director, presented on the district's 20 CTE programs serving 3,549 students with 475 industry certifications achieved last year. The discussion covered how CTE programs prepare students for both college and career pathways, with particular emphasis on industry certifications ranging from $10 to $300+ that help students gain workforce readiness. The presentation highlighted successful partnerships, including one with Marana Health Center that has hired 12 past dental assisting program students, and mentioned plans to expand programs to include construction and HVAC training on additional campus pads. The meeting also included updates about More Than a Bed's resource center for foster care families and the Rotary Vocational Foundation's $350,000 budget for statewide vocational grants.
Next steps
Cindy
- Send out the link for the ESREG (Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group) project seminar to interested participants.
- Check with Emily (Oro Valley president) on the status of the Guatemala water sanitation project and potential presentation by Rick Chimblo or others involved. (Note: Nothing has been submitted yet)
Informal Meeting Introductions and Updates
The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mike.
Rotary Project Updates and Initiatives
The meeting began with welcome remarks to guests including Stephanie Lippert, Starr, and Bob Bishop.
The recipients of the Tour de Cookie charities received checks today for their organizations. Starr is the communications manager with More Than a Bed. She provided updates on the organization and their goals for future development, including a resource center that provides essential items to foster care families and an enrichment center offering off-site classes including creative expressions, chess club, and jewelry making.
Bob Bishop received the check for The Rotary Vocational Foundation of Arizona (TRVFA) and shared how the funds impact not only the recipient but the families, too. TRVFA provides approximately $2,000 in grants for vocational training across Arizona, with a recent budget increase to $350,000.
The club sponsored a luncheon for MCAT faculty for Teacher Appreciation Week. John Dooling delivered sandwiches, meat and cheese platter, chips, drinks and dessert to that high school.
CTE Programs Overview Presentation
Stephanie Lippert presented an overview of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in Marana Unified School District, highlighting their 20 current programs across three high schools with an enrollment of 3,549 students. The programs focus on industry certifications, with students able to earn two certifications by the end of high school and noted their strong partnership with Marana Health Center which has hired 12 former students. The district charges $10 per semester for CTE courses, though some industry certifications can be expensive, and they are exploring ways to support students who cannot afford the certification fees. Stephanie will invite any interested Rotarians to attend the CTE ambassador event in September.
Career Technical Education Benefits
The discussion focused on Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and their benefits. Mark shared how CTE pathways can increase students' motivation for higher education, supported by examples from his children's experiences transitioning from CTE programs like business management to college degrees in nursing and construction management. The conversation highlighted specific partnerships and projects, including Marana's welding program's collaboration with the town for public art installations and the donation of vehicles for automotive programs. Gregg shared how his son enrolled in the welding and auto mechanics programs. He has been able to combine those skills in his career that at age 22 he purchased a home. When asked about basic life skills in education, Mark confirmed that CTE programs incorporate essential skills like cooking and typing, with some basic skills now integrated into core subjects after previous gaps were identified.