Holly Area Schools recognized for excellence in preparing K-12 students for success, careers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 8, 2024
CONTACT: Christopher Behnan, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (248) 767-4377
 

Holly Area Schools recognized for excellence in preparing K-12 students for success, careers
District’s Career Readiness Team awarded Oakland Schools’ 2024 Exemplary K-12 Career Readiness District Award

HOLLY, Mich. — Holly Area Schools has received Oakland Schools’ 2024 Exemplary K-12 Career Readiness District Award for the district’s continued commitment to helping prepare all Bronchos for success and careers, including those in the skilled trades and those not requiring a college degree.

The Holly Area Schools Career Readiness Team, comprised of teachers, counselors, administrators, a career director, an Oakland Schools consultant and student representatives, received the award in a special ceremony during the 2024 Oakland Career Readiness Conference March 21 in Waterford.

“We are so proud of our entire Career Readiness Team that helps provide our students with real-world skills and innovative learning opportunities to help prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Jennifer Fettig, the district’s director of career programs and business partnerships. “This is an opportunity to celebrate our dedicated educators who help our students compete for in-demand careers and plan for bright futures.”

The Holly Area Schools educators were recognized for numerous career readiness programs, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), construction trades and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The programs also include career field trips, a College and Career Week, guest speakers, dual enrollment, job shadows, Junior ROTC, an annual skilled trades fair, job shadows and more.

Students in the construction trades program have the opportunity to earn professional certifications. The district’s 6,500-square-foot Construction Trades Center, funded by the 2022 voter-approved bond, is slated to open this spring. Holly’s CTE programs launched with just 15 students in 2015 and grew to 245 students as of 2023.

As part of its growing career readiness program, Holly Area Schools last year created a Director of Career Programs and Business Partnerships position to support CTE programs and coordinate career development services. The position also builds and strengthens partnerships with business leaders and community partners, and helps establish student mentorships, internships and work-based learning opportunities. 

At Holly Area Schools, career readiness begins with the district’s youngest learners. Each year, Holly third graders have the opportunity to learn about careers, career readiness and career courses by rotating through the high school’s marketing, construction trades, teacher cadet and culinary food science classes.

The Exemplary K-12 Career Readiness District Award also recognizes the Holly Area Schools 2030 strategic plan. The comprehensive plan details goals for students to follow their individual interests and eventually career goals, local stakeholders to get involved with student achievement, and a network of partnerships with industry leaders, local professionals and community leaders.

“This is a truly exciting recognition of our amazing Career Readiness Team that provides the building blocks for student success from our elementary students through our high school seniors,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “We look forward to continuing to grow our program in the years ahead to help ensure every Broncho learns about a vast range of career opportunities while still in our hallways.”

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Learn more about Holly Area Schools by visiting www.hask12.org, or visit us on Facebook and X (Twitter).

Members of the Holly Area Schools Career Readiness Team pose with Oakland Schools Superintendent Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, front and third from left, at the 2024 Oakland Career Readiness Conference.

Career Readiness Award Press Release