This grant has opened doors for students, allowing them to explore new career pathways while gaining valuable
skills.

In partnership with Coldspring, ROCORI applied for this grant through the Department of Labor and Industry. Greg Flint, the President of Coldspring, and his team have played a crucial role in supporting these programs, particularly in the manufacturing sector at ROCORI Schools. Their collaboration has created more educational opportunities for students.

The school year began with an informative presentation by Luke Greiner from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) during our back to school teacher workshop. This provided ROCORI staff with insights into local job markets and economic conditions. Following this presentation, teachers had the opportunity to visit Coldspring (Granite) to gain firsthand knowledge of the manufacturing processes occurring in their community. One of the first initiatives undertaken was the creation of Spartan Paths. These pathways include
Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Business, Arts and Communication, Engineering and Trades and Health and Human Services. Departments and instructional coaches worked together to align elective offerings with these pathways, revamping the registration process and guidance materials to help students choose classes that match their interests and career goals.

A key objective for ROCORI is to strengthen connections between the school and the local community. This effort aims to provide students with opportunities to learn about available careers and help meet the employment needs in the area. To support this initiative, ROCORI high school students participated in tours of several local manufacturers,
including Coldspring, Rotochopper, Renegade Truck Equipment, Louis Industries, and Avon Plastics, among others.

The school is also focused on building strong relationships with area businesses through the Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce. An exciting event on the horizon is the first annual ROCORI Career Fair, scheduled for Sept. 25, 2025. This event will feature more than 50 local businesses and postsecondary institutions, providing
students with a platform to explore various career options and understand the pathways leading to them.

Through these initiatives, ROCORI Secondary Schools are not only enhancing educational experiences for students, but also fostering a connection with the community that benefits everyone.