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City Manager Mark Dunning gave an update on the City’s partnerships with education partners. Examples include career days with the schools, a new DARE program titled IMPAC, a youth court and advisory board, a police science program, junior citizens academy, a police explorer program, monthly safety meetings with Lee’s Summit Fire and school leadership, collaboration with students interested in Fire service, Public Works with Summit Technical Academy (STA) and their engineering program presentation with the City, and with STA aviation program.
Lee’s Summit R-7 Superintendent Dr. Buck emphasized the district’s efforts in workforce development. This year for the first time, the district is offering amped-up Algebra where students apply algebra to real-world work. The district has over 200 business partners they engage with on a regular basis, including the City.
Director Shannan Booth, director of career education, reviewed expansions in the Career Education Department. Examples are National Manufacturing Day, job shadow experiences focused on trade areas, and 156 paid student internships with local businesses. At the elementary level, there are many programs designed to give students exposure to the business world.
Principal/Director of STA at The Missouri Innovation Campus Jeremy Bonnesen gave an update on the offerings available to prepare students for careers. Science investigations, a hospitality program with a twist at Paradise Park focusing on tourism and recreation management. Students can get drone certified at the airport, as part of a program designed to complement students interested in aviation. STA is also collaborating with Lee’s Summit Fire Department to develop a program for students interested in a career with the Fire Department.
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