ROCHESTER — Superintendent Kyle Repucci is pleased to announce that Rochester Public Schools Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program has hosted six events so far this year to offer students opportunities to learn more about potential careers and connect with future pathways to employment.
“I’m grateful for all of the hard work that our high school administrative team has put forth to provide future opportunities for our students,” said Superintendent Repucci. “Our school board has made this work a priority and we are starting to create relationships and pathways in our surrounding communities that will benefit all involved.”
The Spaulding High School and R.W. Creteau Technology Center ELO program leverages the power of community partnerships to engage, educate and empower students to make informed career choices. The program helps connect students to local businesses and organizations via internships, job fairs, and other programs.
“It has been a primary effort of Spaulding High School and the R.W. Creteau Technology Center to build and promote future pathways for our students. This effort has allowed us to work closely with a wide range of community partners and bring in guests from around the Seacoast and New England to share opportunities with our student body,” said ELO Coordinator Lauren Jerr. “I’m grateful for the support of our community partners and guests, and excited about the future for all who participate in these great programs.”
The six events held in the 2021-2022 school year so far are:
Student Job Fair & Career Expo, Sept. 30
The Student Job Fair & Career Expo included over 15 businesses that made themselves available to talk with students during an event at the Spaulding Courtyard. Among the organizations that participated were The Paper Store, Dunkin’ Donuts, Home Depot, Hannaford, Rochester Child Care, Wilcox Industries, HRCU, Eastern Propane, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, NextPhase Medical Devices, Army National Guard, and Marshall’s.
College Fair, Oct. 5
Students were able to meet with admissions representatives from 31 colleges and universities during a college fair that was held on Oct. 5. Education institutions that participated were University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Keene State College, Granite State College, Great Bay Community College, Rivier University, Saint Anselm College, Lakes Region Community College, NHTI-Concord Community College, Franklin Pierce University, Colby-Sawyer College, Southern New Hampshire University, New England College, University of Maine – Farmington, University of New England, University of Southern Maine, Husson University, York Community College, St. Joseph’s College, South Maine Community College, Lasell University, Curry College, Merrimack College, Simmons University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Lesley University, Assumption University, Nichols College, Castleton University, Johnson & Wales University, and Salve Regina University.
STEM Pop-up Event with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Oct. 14
Spaulding High School hosted the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s Pop-up STEM Event in a parking lot behind the R.W. Creteau Technology Center, offering students a chance to explore careers and engage with skilled tradesmen from 15 production shops located at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Demonstrations at the event included but were not limited to: Composites & Plastic Fabrication, Electrician/Electronics, Engineering, Fabric Worker, Machinery Mechanic, Machinist, Non-Destructive Tester, Painter/Abrasive Tester, Pipefitter, Rigger, Sheet Metal Mechanic, Shipfitter, Shipwright, Welder.
Eastern Boats Presentation, Oct. 29
Representatives of Eastern Boats brought a boat on a trailer for students to tour as they visited students from the HVAC, Precision Machining, Automotive, Photography, Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering pathways. Students learned about possible work-based learning opportunities and what a career in the boat building trade could look like as they conversed with representatives from a local company that grew from a one-model company in 1981, to a company in a four-warehouse facility that employs about 50 people today.
Universal Technical Institute Diagnostic and Career Presentation, Nov. 1
John Kellett from Universal Technical Institute offered students a presentation showcasing modern diesel engine diagnostic strategies, including computer-based cranking compression, running compression and cylinder power balance testing. Kellett also went over software used in UTI’s motorcycle program for engine management programming, and provided a MIG welding trainer that he allowed students to try out.
I Am College Bound Free Application Day, Nov. 19
Sponsored by the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) as part of the I Am College Bound campaign, this event enabled 63 Spaulding High School students to save over $5,500 in application fees as they submitted 189 college applications. On hand to assist students and provide financial aid advice were staff from NHHEAF and admissions staff from University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Granite State College, Southern New Hampshire University, and Great Bay Community College.