In January 2024, I received an email inviting teachers and school counselors to apply for summer externships working at one of ten county sites. I was immediately drawn to what I read about Align and Lenawee Now, and I wanted to learn about the ways these programs work with the schools and the communities in our county. I found out that I was chosen for my desired location in March and began connecting with Randy Yagiela to make arrangements for my summer experience.
As May and the school year drew to a close, I worked out a schedule with Randy. June and my two-week experience came quickly. I was amazed by the amount of information I learned about what Lenawee Now is doing for the economy, businesses and citizens of Lenawee County. Within the first week, I was able to attend meetings, understand relationships with local businesses and communities, and make connections with Kelly McNicol about the Career Education opportunities that are available to our local schools. I was astonished at the plan for the Align Center for Workforce Development and the benefits it will offer members of this county.
In the second week, I traveled around the county to meet with partners for Align. I met with Dan Rogers at Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry and learned about programs that will benefit Align and my own local school district – information that I will definitely be sharing when I return to teaching. I talked to Ashley Vandenbusche at Michigan Works and toured the LISD Tech Center with Jenny Heath. I was also able to see the Align building, which is in construction, with both a sneak peak at the design plans as well as a tour of the building itself.
As I reflect on what I have learned during my two weeks, I am excited by the advances that are being made in our county – advances that will help everyone – and though my official externship is at a close, I hope to remain in contact with Randy, Kelly, and the rest of the group, offering any help I can and sharing with eager anticipation for the official opening of the Align Center for Workforce Development.