Page 18 - Spring 2025
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Houlton High School Forges Stronger Community
Ties with “Partners in Education” Initiative
HOULTON, ME – Houlton High School is embarking on a need or concern in our community, connect
an exciting new chapter of community engagement with stakeholders and community partners, and
with the launch of its “Partners in Education” initiative. formulate a feasible solution. Hundreds of hours
This ambitious program aims to weave a tighter have gone into this program and next year all
fabric between the school and local businesses, juniors will be enrolled in a semester program,
organizations, and individuals, creating a wealth of meeting one hour every other day to offer
opportunities for students and enriching the entire solutions to the community.
community.
• Job Shadows: A fundamental component of
The “Partners in Education” initiative is designed to career exploration, job shadowing will allow
provide Houlton High School students with invaluable students to spend a day or more observing
real-world experiences that extend far beyond the professionals in their daily work routines. This
traditional classroom setting. By fostering these crucial first hand exposure can be instrumental in
connections, the school is laying the groundwork helping students confirm their career interests,
for a more skilled, engaged, and empowered future understand workplace dynamics, and network
workforce in the Houlton area. with potential future employers.
At the heart of this initiative are several key • Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs): Moving
components: beyond the four walls of the classroom, ELOs
will provide students with hands-on, credit-
• Mentorship Programs: Connecting students bearing experiences in community settings. This
with experienced professionals in various fields could involve projects with local businesses,
will offer invaluable guidance, inspiration, and a participation in community initiatives, or
deeper understanding of potential career paths. specialized training that aligns with student
These mentors can provide insights into industry interests and career aspirations. Houlton has
trends, offer advice on navigating challenges, already embarked on the first phases of this
and help students develop crucial soft skills like initiative with one student earning his private
communication and problem-solving. Currently pilots license in 2025, and will be attending flight
RSU 29 has the Shire Mentor program with local school in North Carolina.
businesses adopting classrooms throughout the
district where mentors can teach about their • Workforce Development Connections:
business or organization, provide an activity or Recognizing the critical need for a skilled local
a healthy snack, and connect students to the workforce, the “Partners in Education” initiative
Greater Houlton community. will actively bridge the gap between education
and employment. This involves connecting
• Volunteering: Encouraging students to volunteer students with local businesses for internships,
within the community instills a sense of civic apprenticeships, and potential future job
responsibility and provides practical experience placements. Through our Construction Trades
while contributing to local well-being. From program students have explored all aspects
assisting local non-profits to supporting of building trades and have visited various
community events, these opportunities will businesses such as McPartland’s Plumbing and
allow students to give back and develop a Heating, LP Building Solutions, J. McLaughlin
stronger connection to their town. Houlton Construction, and SW Collins.
High School juniors are now involved in a
Solutionaries program where all juniors research
18 www.houltonalumni.com
