Program shows students alternative options after graduation
MONETT, Mo. — A Missouri program is working to show rural high school students there’s more after graduation than just traditional college.
It’s called “Rooted Missouri” which has a partnership with RootEd Alliance, The Ozark Technical Community College, and rural school districts.
Thursday (3/14) more than 30 Monett High School juniors and seniors toured several facilities across the city, including Monett Metals and WinTech. Students learned all the ins-and-outs of each facility, the different positions available, and they even got to fill out a job application for each location they visited.
The goal is to help bridge the gap of a decrease in trade workers.
“It’s a major need because of the changing needs of the workforce. So — skilled workers, workers with certifications, workers with specific education. This helps give them one place where they can go and get the information they need to connect them to things that they’re good at — things that they enjoy — and in what is needed in the area,” said Monett RootEd Regional Director, Susan Bartlett.
“It’s going to benefit me because it’s a great opportunity for adults that don’t know what they’re going to do in life. They can come here to Monett and find a job and help Monett’s community,” said Monett High School senior, Ian Waterman.
“It is super important to meet every single kid where they are. Not every kid is meant for college, and that’s okay. I want them all to know that that is okay, and that they should do what they want to do and not be forced just because everyone tells you that you have to go to college,” said Monett RootEd advisor, Samantha Towles.
RootEd Alliance advisors are currently serving 135 rural high schools across the “Show-Me State.”
