now working with local union 172 to create an apprenticeship pathway for students heading into the trades,” he says. The program, Project SPEAR-IT, began with a United Way grant to support students struggling with attendance. Michael Kenny, Coordinator of the Office of Grants and Communications, recalls how it evolved.“We started with freshmen and sophomores who weren’t engaged,” he says. “We exposed them to the trades, and it grew into six classes with more than one hundred students. It’s become one of South’s signature programs.” Kenny adds that many of these initiatives thrive because grants, community partnerships, and substantial student input support them. “You lend us support, and we’ll run with it,” he says.“That’s what makes Toms River unique.” STUDENT-LED BUSINESSES AND REAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP The Business Academy has already produced studentrun ventures that continue long after graduation. One standout is the TR Grind, a fully operational coffee shop inside the school.“It started as a senior capstone project,” Peck says.“Today it’s a real business. I bought my coffee there this morning.” Students manage budgeting, inventory, customer service, and operations. “Each year we train a new crew to keep it going,” he explains.“It’s a legacy piece.” The school store, another student-led initiative, follows the same model. Peck sees these experiences as essential to the district’s vision.“We want students to be able to stay in Toms River if they want to,” he says.“If we give them the skills to launch a business or work remotely in an evolving economy, then they can stay here, build their lives here, and reinvest in the community.” INNOVATION THAT EXTENDS TO INFRASTRUCTURE Behind the scenes, the district manages massive operational responsibilities. “We have twenty-one locations and many aging buildings,” Citta explains. “Infrastructure is huge for us.” brielle Carvalho 366 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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