PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Students at Opportunity Training Center, a special-purpose private school operated by Central Aroostook Association in Presque Isle, have been busy with career exploration this school year.
In an effort to expose middle and high school students to real-life careers, Michele Blackstone, M.Ed-Behavior, has led students through a variety of experiences, working with them to create experiential learning opportunities for future employment.
Students were charged with accessing community resources, researching occupations, learning job expectations and establishing pros and cons associated with various occupations. They visited WAGM-TV in Presque Isle, the National Weather Service in Caribou and County Box & Pallet in Presque Isle. In the future, the students will participate in on-site internships at the Caribou and Houlton Technology Centers.
Understanding that the transition from school to work can be difficult, Blackstone included transition and short-term planning exercises. She included a tour of her own family farm in Fort Fairfield as part of the students’ opportunities.
“We’re able to walk through the sites and show the students multiple jobs, whether in the field, potato house or in the business office. We’ve also been very fortunate to have the support of School Administrative District #1 and the use of their horticulture farm to develop a work ethic,” she said.
“We’ve seen many students enter adulthood with the ambition and attitude to accomplish their personal goals. Students have gone on to university or community college, culinary arts training, CDL licensure and, this coming year, certified nurse’s assistant programs,” Blackstone added. “Our teaching success is measured by the success of our students and ensuring that each child is given opportunity to identify and achieve personal goals.”
To learn more about Central Aroostook Association and the eight programs it operates, contact Executive Director Steve Richard at 764-0134.
