Cooperative Link: Fall 2005

Carl Perkins

Opportunities for Improving Career & Tech Ed Programs

South Central Service Cooperative has received approval by the Minnesota Department of Education for a grant of $213,704 to support plans by members of the Carl Perkins Consortium to improve local career and technical education (CTE) programs.

Carl D. Perkins is a federal grant that provides funds to districts and consortia on a formula basis for approved, licensed CTE programs. Technical assistance is available to local districts on issues of data management, reporting, licensure, alternative programming, local levy authority, opportunities for articulation to post-secondary programs, career pathways, and more.

Twenty-five school districts in south central Minnesota work together with the South Central and Cannon Valley Tech Prep consortia, South Central College, Goodhue County Tech Prep and Perkins Consortium, the Southern Plains Education Cooperative, area Youth Council and Minnesota Department of Education to collaborate on activities and services for students that include: professional development, academic and skill attainment, upgrading of equipment, school- and work-based experiences, and career counseling.

In response to federal reauthorization of Perkins, the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will begin the process of developing a new unified state plan. Perkins Grant Administrators are scheduled to participate in working sessions this fall, and local district and community members will be invited to provide initial input next spring and summer.

This year, in preparation for reauthorization of the act, Kathryn Rusch, Administrator for local-area Tech Prep consortia, and Glenn Morris, Administrator for SCSC Perkins Basic Grant Consortium, will conduct site visits to provide resource and referral for local issues and accountability.

For more information, contact Kathryn at 507.389.7241 or email kathryn.rusch@southcentral.org or Glenn at 507.389.5106 or gmorris@mnscsc.org.

EDUCATE Participants Visit Area Businesses

The EDUCATE 2005 Institute (Educators Developing An Understanding of Career Awareness in Teaching and Employment) was held on June 13-14, 2005 at South Central College. This workshop provided educators the opportunity to visit area businesses, talk with managers and learn what qualifications and requirements these companies are seeking when hiring an employee.

Educator participation continues to increase as more learn about this quality workshop. This year the workshop included tours of 13 Mankato businesses. In addition, a non-traditional careers panel and entrepreneur panel presented the challenges and rewards of working in nontraditional careers and owning businesses.

Highlights from the Workshop
Business representatives stressed to educators the importance of teaching interpersonal skills and technical skills. Many of these businesses participate in high school internship and mentoring programs. Educators discovered a lot of great opportunities that exist locally for students with good attitudes and a willingness to work hard.

Thank you to all businesses, presenters, and educators for participating in the EDUCATE 2005 Institute.


From the Executive Director / From the Editor / About SCSC / Calendar of Events / MRSA Outstanding Service Award Winner Kathy Brynaert *Programs and Services* Insurance / Carl Perkins / Center for Academic Excellence / Health and Safety / Paraprofessional / Special Education / SOCRATES *Student Enrichment Programs* Chess Tournament / Knowledge Bowl / MN Academic Decathlon / Science and Nature Camp / Water is Life Art Contest Fall Issue Home Page Previous Issues of Cooperative Link Return to SCSC Home Page	Carl Perkins Opportunities for Improving Career & Tech Ed Programs South Central Service Cooperative has received approval by the Minnesota Department of Education for a grant of $213,704 to support plans by members of the Carl Perkins Consortium to improve local career and technical education (CTE) programs. Carl D. Perkins is a federal grant that provides funds to districts and consortia on a formula basis for approved, licensed CTE programs. Technical assistance is available to local districts on issues of data management, reporting, licensure, alternative programming, local levy authority, opportunities for articulation to post-secondary programs, career pathways, and more. Twenty-five school districts in south central Minnesota work together with the South Central and Cannon Valley Tech Prep consortia, South Central College, Goodhue County Tech Prep and Perkins Consortium, the Southern Plains Education Cooperative, area Youth Council and Minnesota Department of Education to collaborate on activities and services for students that include: professional development, academic and skill attainment, upgrading of equipment, school- and work-based experiences, and career counseling. In response to federal reauthorization of Perkins, the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will begin the process of developing a new unified state plan. Perkins Grant Administrators are scheduled to participate in working sessions this fall, and local district and community members will be invited to provide initial input next spring and summer. This year, in preparation for reauthorization of the act, Kathryn Rusch, Administrator for local-area Tech Prep consortia, and Glenn Morris, Administrator for SCSC Perkins Basic Grant Consortium, will conduct site visits to provide resource and referral for local issues and accountability. For more information, contact Kathryn at 507.389.7241 or email kathryn.rusch@southcentral.org or Glenn at 507.389.5106 or gmorris@mnscsc.org. EDUCATE Participants Visit Area Businesses The EDUCATE 2005 Institute (Educators Developing An Understanding of Career Awareness in Teaching and Employment) was held on June 13-14, 2005 at South Central College. This workshop provided educators the opportunity to visit area businesses, talk with managers and learn what qualifications and requirements these companies are seeking when hiring an employee. Educator participation continues to increase as more learn about this quality workshop. This year the workshop included tours of 13 Mankato businesses. In addition, a non-traditional careers panel and entrepreneur panel presented the challenges and rewards of working in nontraditional careers and owning businesses. Highlights from the Workshop Business representatives stressed to educators the importance of teaching interpersonal skills and technical skills. Many of these businesses participate in high school internship and mentoring programs. Educators discovered a lot of great opportunities that exist locally for students with good attitudes and a willingness to work hard. Thank you to all businesses, presenters, and educators for participating in the EDUCATE 2005 Institute.	This newsletter is also available as an Acrobat PDF (852 KB) Free Acrobat Reader required for viewing.