JMCSS launches the L.O.O.P. Initiative with community partners
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County School System launched the L.O.O.P. Initiative from the Tennessee Department of Education’s New Skills for Youth (NSFY) Grant. L.O.O.P., which stands for Local Options and Opportunities Program, will offer innovative opportunities for students to get hands-on, paid work experience while continuing to earn credits and industry certifications as they complete their high school diploma. Students will spend part of their day in a classroom setting as they finish up their high school credits and the other part of the day in a workplace. In its initial phase, L.O.O.P. will focus on advanced manufacturing and culinary arts.
Partners for 2018-19:
Stanley Black & Decker, a global diversified industrial leader of tools & storage, industrial equipment, and security products, will integrate students into manufacturing jobs including assembly, machine operations, and various support roles.
TBDN, an automotive parts manufacturer, supplies a variety of power train components for vehicles produced by Toyota, Honda, and GM. TBDN will provide students practical application of classroom learning and introduce them to the wide variety of career opportunities that modern manufacturing offers.
Old Country Store, a locally owned and operated family restaurant and travel attraction will expose students to a variety of experiences related to travel and hospitality including farm to tray, food preparation, food service, retail, and museum hospitality and upkeep.
Gourmet Your Way, a local corporate catering service, will provide students with hands-on experience with all aspects of the catering industry including customer service, food preparation, and presentation.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology will also have opportunities for students to work in advanced manufacturing to make progress toward earning industry certifications.
Stanley Black & Decker described their L.O.O.P program participation in this way: “Students have the ability to learn expectations and requirements for being successful in the workplace while also obtaining operational and technical skills for growth. The least we can do is help support and develop the effort to help both students and businesses while supporting growth and improvement of our community.” The work-based learning program is set to begin in January 2019.