School 2 Work Collaborative

Description

Since 2010, the School 2 Work Collaborative has been dedicated to strengthening community connections between students, educators, and local businesses to create meaningful opportunities for young people. Our mission is to show students that exciting careers and good-paying jobs are available right here in our community—helping them feel valued, confident, and prepared for their future. By bridging classroom learning with real-world experiences, we provide exposure to opportunities students may not otherwise have, including career exploration, apprenticeships, internships, job shadows, and other hands-on experiences. These are supported through events, guest speakers, and engagement with teachers, guidance counselors, and workforce coordinators.

The School 2 Work Collaborative meets monthly throughout the school year, welcoming participants from elementary, middle, high school, and post-graduate levels. This partnership is led by the Lakes Region Chamber along with Lakes Region Community College, and Belknap EDC with participation from school districts across the Lakes Region as well as the Huot Technical Center, ApprenticeshipNH, and organizations that support our youth and recent graduates. Pre-registration is encouraged to attend monthly meetings so that we can plan for appropriate venue space and technology needs. Together, we are building a stronger future by investing in the next generation.