Sentinel Photo by Erin Thompson
Barry King, administrative director of the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology, discusses ongoing initiatives during a business and education committee meeting held Thursday at the academy.
LEWISTOWN- The leaders of the Academy of Science and Technology would like to increase employer influence throughout the building.
Jennifer Jackson, career coach at The Academy of Science and Technology, told local business and education leaders that the school would like to see more banners and displays from businesses that partner with the school – an initiative that will be spearheaded by the school’s national. Technical Honor Society.
Jackson and others discussed several ongoing and future initiatives that connect students to employers during a business and education committee meeting held Thursday. The program was conducted by the culinary students of the academy.
Jackson said the school is seeking tax-deductible donations from employers that would allow students to participate in the National Technical Honor Society, and in return, they would receive a performance at the school.
Adult Education Supervisor Michael McMonigal said the academy is planning an open house for its machining training programs.
McMonigal said the academy is now the only school in the region of four countries that offers machining training and the Open House will introduce people to the program.
“We want to let them know what capabilities we have and how we can build these partnerships with employers and manufacturers,” They said.
The event will be held on January 25 at 2 pm at the Academy.
Rhonda Kelly, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce, invites interested entrepreneurs to attend an entrepreneurial meeting, co-organized by the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation.
“We invite them to come and talk to entrepreneurs who are already doing it… This could be a good exposure for students who think they want to open a business,” he said.
Next meet up is Thursday, November 17th at 6 p.m. at Shy Bear Brewing.
Kelly said the chamber, in collaboration with Penn State Extension and CareerLink, is also launching a monthly Business Breakfast Club that will provide recruiting tools and tips for today’s labor market.
The event will take place at the Penn State Extension office on Thursday, November 17 at 9 a.m.
In other news, MCIDC executive director Nick Felice said workforce shortages remain a challenge with regard to economic growth.
“It’s a solid need across the board,” They said.
Felice said guest worker programs using legal immigrants are working at the local level.
“I think it’s probably going to be something you’re going to see in Mifflin County and the area as a whole,” They said.
