nearly $6 billion in Blue Oval City, just 25 minutes away. Mayor Parsons also emphasizes the interconnectedness of education and the local economy.“People seeking employment at Blue Oval City, Ford’s latest creation, are looking for a safe city with a good school system,” he explains. Bartlett’s school programs are designed to meet these expectations. The town’s approach includes initiatives like the high school internship program, which started in his second year as mayor. This summer program places six to eight students in hands-on roles within the fire department, code enforcement, planning, performing arts, parks and public relations sectors, providing real-world experience. BRIDGING SCHOOLS AND INDUSTRY Dr. Stephens emphasizes a balanced educational approach tailored to the diverse future paths of students.“We know many of our students will go on to a four-year university, but we also know many of them will go straight from Bartlett High School into the workforce,” he says. This awareness has driven the creation of 17 career technical education (CTE) pathways, ranging from advanced manufacturing and coding to cybersecurity, digital design, health sciences, mechatronics, transportation, and culinary arts. “We want to ensure our students have a wide array of opportunities,” Dr. Stephens asserts.The district also offers 17 Advanced Placement and Honors courses and 13 dual credit enrollment courses, enabling students to earn college credits from institutions like the University of Memphis and Southwest Tennessee Community College. Collaboration with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology is also 35 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 BARTLETT, TN
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