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LEWISTOWN — Jennifer Jackson had certainly heard of dress-down Friday or casual day. But “Wear It Wednesday?” That was a new concept for the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology career coach. Especially when referring to business attire.
The idea is for area businesses, agencies and college or trade schools to send T-shirts, uniform shirts or other articles of clothing that represents them to the Academy, so the school can be part of the action.
The Academy staff would wear the shirt on Hump Day and use it as an opportunity to talk to students about the particular business and the work they do. Students might also see the staff member wearing the shirt and ask questions about the business.
“This is a great opportunity to connect the education our students are receiving with real-world opportunities,” Jackson said. “It is also a great opportunity to have your business or school represented here at the Academy.”
She got the idea after seeing a post on social media after another career and technology center held a similar event. The Academy is always seeking ways to build solid partnerships with community members.
Jackson is hoping for a positive reception from businesses “in hopes they will jump on board,” she said.
Staff members who wear the business attire can be anyone from instructors to administrators and the Academy office. “The point is that a conversation is created between us and the students,” Jackson said. “It lets the students know that the business has opportunities that are available in the area. Teachers can also include it in their lesson plans for the day.”
Jackson said the goal of the program is to let students think about the job opportunities that exist after graduation, but to make them realize that those opportunities exist within the confines of the Juniata Valley.
“Where do they want to work, and what do they want to be?” Jackson explained. “There are options that are local that are keeping our students in the area. They’re educated locally, so why not try to keep them working locally.”
As with most industries, there remains a shortage of workers in the trades, Jackson said. “It’s right at our doorstep. We can build our business and industry locally. Fortunately, we have the students to do that.”
The Academy is seeking shirts to wear in all fields related to the subjects that are taught at the Academy, which range from electrical installation to welding and cosmetology and culinary arts.
“If you are able to provide a shirt, it will be given to the most appropriate staff member to represent on Wednesdays,” Jackson said. “We recognize the importance of our community partners and want to share that information with our up-and-coming community members, our students. Please consider helping our vision come to life.”
Shirts can be dropped off at the school office, located at 710 Pitt St., Lewistown. For more information, call (717) 248-3933, ext. 5610.
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