The matter of education and a modern workforce often coincide with each other, and that was the case Thursday morning for the Christian County Chamber of Commerce Eye-Opener Breakfast.
This eye-opener carried the title of “Engaging the Next Generation of Workforce” and focused on how Christian County Public Schools and local agencies, businesses and non-profits are working together to benefit the community—but most importantly, benefit the students who are looking to find a place in their careers once they leave school.
Right now, local high school students have numerous options they can pursue, from the Gateway Academy to dual-credit courses with Hopkinsville Community College, and an expansive CO-OP program. Co-op students have the ability to work closely with partner agencies to learn more about what they’d like to do in their career paths, and determine how to best stay on course for their fields of study.
Sadie Stuart is a Christian County High School student who is currently co-oping at Jennie Stuart Medical Center, and she says she’s been very grateful for the opportunity, because it’s helped her realize what the trajectory of her life after school will be better suited for.
She says without the co-op student program, she likely wouldn’t have realized until later in life when it might have been difficult to change her degree.
A panel made up of Dr. Chris Boyett, the Chief Administrative Officer at HCC, Jennie Stuart Health Foundation Executive Director Tracey Clark, New Work Fellowship Pastor Cliff Hines and Planters Bank Community Reinvestment Act Officer Jennifer Maddux, discussed the benefits the new consolidated Christian County High School will bring to both the co-op program and the students.
Pastor Hines says that when he was a student, he had no idea the direction his life would take—but thanks to some thoughtful educators and mentors, he was able to chart a course. He says students here could receive the same guidance.
Workforce Program Specialist Kelly Gates called on those who are currently not involved in the co-op program to take a chance on helping a student, as they can and will pleasantly surprise you.
To get involved with the program, contact the Christian County Public School System, or contact the Chamber’s PreK2Biz Committee.