OUR SCHOOL | Community Benefits
WE NEEDED TO TAKE ACTION.
The work leading up to the vision of creating a charter school in the Algoma School District started back in 2011 when a number of local manufacturers called for better skilled workers. The closest technical college to offer training for these jobs was more than 45 miles away. What’s more, graduates of Algoma High School were moving to other communities in search of more educational choices or employment opportunities with a plan of never returning. Algoma was experiencing a ‘brain drain’ (Karma Report, 2016). We needed to take action.
The superintendent of the School District of Algoma at the time, Nick Cochart, challenged the district to think differently; he partnered with local area manufacturing companies to develop a plan. They knew they needed to engage the youth, educate them, and provide opportunities. As a result, Wolf Tech Manufacturing was developed and co-located on the middle/high school campus. Through this program, students were trained on how to make products for companies in exchange for donated equipment that would facilitate the skills needed. In a few short months, these community partnerships showed tremendous success and raised the question,
“If we can accomplish this, what else can we accomplish together?”
MAIN BENEFITS INCLUDE
Community excursions that build awareness of industries available in the community and show students opportunities available to them in Algoma.
Students take on community projects that tackle local issues (ex: Crescent Beach Crew, Bird City Group) getting young people engaged in the community and making an impact.
AVA students have opportunities to intern for local organizations and businesses.
AVA brings people from outside the school district into Algoma.
AVA provides opportunities to try different modalities and learning models that could be applied to the traditional school setting.