Mount Airy City Schools was recently awarded $120,000 from the Education and Workforce Innovation Fund Grant to create the School of Advocacy, Fire and Emergency Response which will be known as the SAFER Surry project.
The Education and Workforce Innovation Program was established to foster innovation in education that will lead to more students graduating career and college ready.
This project will be supported at a rate of $60,000 per year for two years. Through this funding, a hired position will create processes and connections that aid the current work of the Career and Technical Education program and will support the district’s strategic plan.
Through the district’s longstanding partnerships with the Mount Airy Police Department and Mount Airy Fire Department, leaders are aware of the need to prepare a pipeline of interested students.
“In our planning conversations with (Police) Chief (Dale) Watson and (Fire) Chief (Zane) Poindexter, it was apparent that there is a great shortage of students who are interested in public safety,” said city schools chief officer Chief Officer Phillip Brown. “We learned that there is even a greater shortage in the number of females entering the field. This position will serve to fill this void with our great graduates.”
The police and fire departments “are constantly seeking to create relationships with future employees for their organizations and fully support the creation of SAFER Surry,” the school system said in announcing the grant.
“Public safety is a demanding field and necessitates a specific career track,” Watson said. “This innovative approach will help to graduate students for success and ultimately into the workforce.”
Mount Airy Fire Chief Zane Poindexter added, “Our organization would benefit greatly from having students who graduate high school with an understanding of what we do. By focusing on the wonderful Public Safety opportunities provided by Surry Community College, our workforce will be strengthened.”
“I wish to congratulate the Mount Airy City Schools for securing a competitive grant that will promote greater educational opportunities for their students,” said Surry Community College’s President Dr. David Shockley. “Through partnerships and greater collaboration, our community will be enabled to compete and thrive as we move forward into the future. I am delighted that Mount Airy High School has received funding to support a counseling position that will guide students to enroll in the many public safety/service career programs that Surry Community College provides for our community.”
“This new project is just one of the many supports that Mount Airy City Schools has put in place to support workforce development in Surry County,” the schools said. “Over the years, the district has expanded Career and Technical Education opportunities at the middle and high school levels, while also adding a Career Development Coordinator at Mount Airy Middle School. The Mount Airy City Schools Business Advisory group has grown in size and provided clear direction that has allowed for additional internship possibilities for Mount Airy High School students. The expertise that comes from the individuals in this group, allows educators to clearly see the skills needed in today’s workforce.
Funds from the grant will provide the district with a full-time coordinator. SAFER Surry is prioritizing consistent communication around job-ready skills and course pathways for students and families. The program coordinator will work to identify students interested in public safety, align work-based learning experiences, and educate students and families regarding higher education opportunities and career opportunities in the local workforce.
“Exposure to career and educational opportunities is vital for high school students,” said Alicia Henson, Mount Airy High School’s counselor. “The ability to learn about, observe, and even experience careers of interest is something that Mount Airy City Schools does a great job in providing for students. The SAFER Surry Project is only going to enhance this work, and provide much needed additional resources for students who may be a good fit for the public safety sector.”
Source: https://www.mtairynews.com