Students at Michigan
City High School are being introduced to one more avenue of support as they
make post-graduation plans.
City Connect is a new program, piloted last year, that has officially launched
to help City students. Angie Nelson Deuitch, owner of Diversity Squared, is coordinating this
initiative at Michigan City High School, focusing on soft skills, job
placement, training programs, post-secondary education, and more.
“The purpose is to identify students who want to stay local and pursue
education or jobs or go into trades,” Nelson Deuitch said. “Our team of career
counselors will give them support and walk alongside them to make sure they
graduate, get good employment, enroll in college, join the trades or the
military – whatever their future plans are, we are here to help them succeed.”
Nelson Deuitch launched City Connect on Thursday at Michigan City High School,
bringing several guest speakers to address students who are voluntarily
enrolling in this program. Among those who spoke with students during this
launch were Katie Eaton, President of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce;
Clarence Hulse, Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of
Michigan City; Jessica Underwood, Director of Admissions at Ivy Tech Community
College; Kimberle Laws, Human Resources Manager at Central States
Manufacturing; Andy Skwiat, owner of Marquiss Electric; Nick Pollock,
representing the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters (IKORCC);
and Jeff Deuitch, a retired U.S. Army Veteran.
These local leaders all had a similar message for students: There is support in
the community, and people who are ready to back their post-high school success,
whether they plan to attend college, join the military, or go straight into
employment after graduation.
Over the next few months, students participating in City Connect will conduct
self-assessments, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA), and explore the options of military, college, trades, and direct
employment. They also will tour the city to meet business owners and visit
local manufacturers.
Through
City Connect, students will also receive coaching on soft skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, workplace
conduct, interviewing skills, professionalism, and workplace attire. The
program will conclude this spring with mock interviews and career fairs.
Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, Superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools, said
City Connect represents a system of support. “We are a team,” she told students
on Thursday. “Michigan City is on the move and we’re here to help you be part
of the future of this great city because we believe in you.”
More information, including how to enroll or volunteer, can be found at
www.EducateMC.net/CityConnect.
