Left to right: Dr. Chris Hartley, Dave Turner, Jack Sheppard, Otto van Emmerik, Ben Shepherd, Fatima Zinselmeir, Carol Rische, Katie Cutshall, Bob Sutter, Samantha Howard
On November 2, Mad River Rotary Club held their annual fundraiser. This year, the club chose the Trades Academy program, through the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE), as the beneficiary. Over 300 people attended the event at Blue Lake Casino’s Sapphire Palace.
Several businesses sponsored tables, donated auction items, and contributed towards the success of this annual event. In total, Mad River Rotary contributed $32,000 to the Trades Academy program.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Chris Hartley states, “HCOE is extremely grateful for this generous donation from the Mad River Rotary and all the community and business members who participated in the fundraising event. We are excited about partnering with our local schools to help bring Career Education and opportunities to work in the trades to life for students across Humboldt County.”
HCOE started the Trades Academy in response to local employers who shared that one of their biggest issues is finding skilled trades people given the previous generation reaching retirement age. With generous support from the Workforce Development Board and Humboldt Area Foundation, HCOE initiated a pilot program in 2018-19.
The Trades Academy is delivering Career Technical Education (CTE) to schools on campus by providing instruction and projects in an innovative Mobile Training Lab. HCOE also engages the business and construction trades’ community to provide hands-on education and important industry-related information both in the classroom and out in the field on work sites.
To date, more than 60 “Industry Partners” have participated in the students’ education, providing classrooms, real-world projects and mentoring. With these industry partners, the Trades Academy is supporting all local high school CTE courses by providing advanced instruction.
Mad River Rotary President, Carol Rische also thanks the numerous people and businesses who supported the event. “Mad River Rotary is proud to support our youth and help ensure they have access to the Trades and Career Tech Education. It’s about them and their future in our community.”