The Woodstock Area Community Education Partnership (WACEP) was formed in 1984 as a joint venture between Woodstock District 200 and the business community out of a mutual desire to expand students’ awareness and preparation for careers and to build a better community. Businesses, individuals and community organizations collaborate with the schools to enrich the learning experience of all students and to exchange knowledge, expertise and resources. Partnership activities vary from one-time experiences to ongoing projects depending upon the needs and desires of the partners. Opportunities for involvement include any or all of the following programs.
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Advisory Committees – Representatives from the employer community provide suggestions and recommendations to instructional staff at both high schools in planning career and technical education programs that best meet the needs of today’s work force.
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Career Expos and Fairs – Adults representing a wide variety of businesses and occupations speak with students about career opportunities in their fields in an open forum format that also features colorful displays and informational materials.
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Job Shadowing – High school students get firsthand experience with an occupation they are interested in by spending a day on the job observing a professional in that career.
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Reality Store – In this interactive 1 1/2 hour life skills simulation, eighth graders are introduced to the “reality” of budgeting and paying for expenses as adults guide them in making smart decsions about how to spend a monthly paycheck they have received for a selected career.
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Reality Check – Similar to the Reality Store, this experience helps prepare high school seniors for the challenging financial decisions they will face as independent adults. Experts talk with them about such topics as credit vs. debit cards, identity theft, retirement planning, saving money, building credit and employment benefits.
For more information about these or any other opportunties for your business to become involved, contact Amanda Harmer, District 200 Career Facilitator, at (815) 206-2217.
