better prepared to pivot.” Spencer says. “That’s the exciting part for me; how do we continue to bring local industry partners into these conversations and learning spaces to work with our kids.” The entrepreneurship focus also taps into something students can observe in their own neighborhoods. Small business owners become tangible role models, demonstrating the connection between education and economic opportunity. Students learn not just technical skills but the broader competencies that transfer across industries: problem-solving, financial literacy, communication, and resilience when ventures don’t succeed as planned. BRINGING BUSINESS INTO THE CLASSROOM Besides traditional models of guest speakers and field trips, Perry Township Schools is building structured partnerships that give students sustained access to professional environments. Skillman Corporation, the district’s construction management firm, now takes on paid high school interns during summer months. Lancer Associates, the architectural firm working with the district, operates Lancer Academy, bringing groups of students through the full lifecycle of design and construction projects. “They’ll bring in groups of kids to learn about design, learn about the construction process, learn about everything that goes behind the engineering, the permitting, and really, again, working with our kids so they understand what those opportunities are,” Dr. Spray says. The exposure helps students make informed decisions before investing time and money in training programs that might not match their interests or aptitudes. The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce has joined the initiative, as has the Carpenters Union covering Kentucky and Ohio. Through the union partnership, students who successfully complete the district’s construction pathway curriculum receive direct admission to the apprenticeship program and skip an entire year of training. That advantage translates to earlier earning potential and reduced training costs. Dr. Spray explains the strategic thinking behind partner selection. “So many times kids will say, I 198 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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