Community partnership helps students succeed
Model Community Partners, an expansion of the Littleton Model Community Project, will prepare students for success as adults in the job market and in the work place.
The U.S. Department of Education defines work-based learning as career exploration, job shadowing, vocational training, internships and paid work experiences that take place at employer work sites.
Model Community Partners, or MC2, will work with Profile, Lisbon, and Littleton High Schools to build on existing work and community-based learning programs. MC2 staff will strengthen the connections between schools, businesses, and other services in the community to increase the effectiveness of these programs for students.
Businesses benefit significantly by hosting work-based learning experiences for students. Students with on-the-job experience have a better understanding job expectations, therefore are more likely to be successful in their job.
“There are a lot of opportunities out there,” say Bill Brown, Profile School Board member and member of the Model Community Partners Advisory Council. “We just have to connect the dots between them.”
Work-based learning experiences have to be well coordinated to be of benefit to businesses and students. “Supporting managers and co-workers with information and training before students come onto the worksite is crucial,” says Kim O’Connor, Career Development Coordinator for the Model Community Partners project. “Even more important is being available to employers to problem-solve when issues arise, and to students to provide guidance and supervision.”
Kim will be contacting area businesses to gather information about their present and future work force needs. This information will direct the activities conducted by Model Community Partners and be shared with the schools.
Marie Sullivan also joins Model Community Partners as a Community Connector. Sullivan’s role will be to find other ways for young people to explore and express their interests and talents.
Project Manager Nicole LaPointe explains, “It’s our goal to design a system of work and community-based learning opportunities that links to existing services and can suit all students. Ultimately, the entire community benefits when students graduate prepared to enter the work force and trained to take jobs in the local economy.”
North Country Educational Services (NCES) in Gorham was awarded funding as well. NCES project manager, Kathy Tremblay, is coordinating efforts with the Model Community Partners. This close cooperation will maximize the impact of the two projects for the entire North Country.
A working citizen advisory board directs Model Community Partners. For more information about MC2, or to join the advisory board, contact Nicole LaPointe at 444-3996, ext 27. For more information about the NCES project, contact Ms. Tremblay at 466-5437. | 
