The Albert Lea Greater Education Project had a busy second semester and third quarter. Over 200 local businesses have stepped up to help build bridges between business/industry and education! The project is in its second full year of operation under the umbrella of the Albert Lea Education Foundation.

One of the goals is to expose students in the eighth-grade Pathways career class to career opportunities and industry trends. This is accomplished through local volunteer speakers in a variety of career areas. This exposure to personal career stories just may lead to a future career path for students.

Speakers from the following companies offered to share their career path story with our students in two different classrooms this semester and deserve a huge thank you for their time:

Bonnerup Funeral Services, Liberty Carton, Aurora Dental, Jones, Haugh & Smith, KIMT, Eaton Sport & Spine, Kelli Steele Photography, Motor Inn, Freeborn County (attorney’s office, probation, social work), Fantastic Sam’s, The Meraki Studios, Vern Eide, Oak Park Place, Martin’s Cycling, Flowers By Jane, Ad Art, First Lutheran Church, Bent Tree Farm, Albert Lea Police Department, Terry Stumme, Shopko, Mrs. Gerry’s (marketing, technology, quality), Mayo Clinic Health System (occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, executive assistants), Albert Lea Seed House, retired doctor Bill Buege, Czech Inn, Schipp’s Pro Wash, Cedar Valley Services, Albert Lea Tribune, Albert Lea Diesel, Green Mill, Cargill, Freeborn Lumber, Dan Rayman Electric, Pro Trucking, Jim & Dudes, Intego Insurance, Davinci’s Skillsaw and Myre-Big Island State Park.

Another goal is to have students have the opportunity for a hands-on learning experience. Senior students in the economics class have the opportunity to spend up to a full day with local business professionals based on the student’s interest area of their choice. Students learn very quickly, after spending time with a professional, if they have a continued interest in a career path.

Many find they are on the right path, while others find out this career isn’t what they had expected. We want students to be prepared to make the best decision for their future career path as possible.

A big thank you to the following companies and people who offered to spend one hour to a full day with our 75 seniors this semester:

Mrs. Gerry’s (IT), District No. 241 (IT, art, elementary education, music) Pam Leland (flight attendant), CFS Farms, Oak Park Place, Dave Schultz (pilot), Vern Eide, Roshfus Precision Machines, intellicents, Freeborn County (social welfare, probation, community health, mental health) KIMT, The Marketing Plant, Bentwood Tree Farm, Albert Lea police and fire departments, Freeborn- Mower Co-op, Angie Eggum-Edward Jones, Snap Fitness, Whimzy Toys & Party, Northwestern Mutual, Aurora Dental, South Central Pet Care, Zogg Dermatology, Allen’s Tow & Travel, Thorne Crest Senior Living Community, Jones, Haugh & Smith, Bismuth Design, Albert Lea Diesel, Myre-Big Island State Park, Riverland Community College, Tri State Accounting Inc., Zimmerman, Steele & Gray, Mayo Clinic Health System (nursing, physician assistant, nurse practioner, radiology) and retired doctor Bill Buege.

What wonderful business partners we have working with us! If you or your company would like to be added to our growing list to help students in Albert Lea, please call me at 507-383-7880.

Jean Eaton

director

Albert Lea Greater Education Project