llproducts.com L&L Products is a family-owned business that has operated in Romeo, Michigan for nearly 70 years. The company continues to support local community initiatives and STEM activities in the schools. Applied Engineering & Materials Science. Currently, plans are underway to introduce academies at Romeo Middle School that emphasize service and community engagement. “We’re going to be partnering with nonprofit and community-based organizations, so our middle school students will have an experience of understanding what some sectors are in the nonprofit world, and then engage with those partners, whether it be in the classroom or outside in their environment,” describes Assistant Superintendent Jennifer McFarlane. This will culminate in an eighth-grade Change Maker Challenge, where students will present a plan to make positive changes in the community. “They can change the world at that age, and we’re just so excited to be able to make a difference in our community with our middle school kids,” she asserts. EMBRACING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION Romeo Community Schools has established strong partnerships to expand dual enrollment and career technical education (CTE) opportunities for its students.These include Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, and Oakland University. This year, a collaboration with Northwood University introduced an option for BEI Academy students to enroll in a semester-long business class. In addition to educational institutions, RCS values the support of over 240 local businesses that bolster its CTE programs, providing hands-on experience.TK Mold and Engineering is one such company, offering apprenticeship programs for students following the advanced manufacturing pathway. Architecture and engineering firm Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick. is another example, providing internships where 358 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
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