Careers@ILS Kicks Off in 2021

Careers@ILS Kicks Off in 2021!
Posted on 10/27/2021
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Careers@ILSCareers@ILSCareers@ILSCareers@ILS

Careers@ILS is even more responsive to student needs and desires in 2021! This is the third year of the multi-faceted, after-school program funded by a competitive 21st Century federal grant worth $850,000 over five years.

ILMS math teacher Eric Finke is the site coordinator at ILMS. He is excited about another year of discovering what students really love to learn about. 

“Students were surveyed at the end of last year to try to gather some new ideas for programming this year, and we were able to provide some new sessions including ESports and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities. Also, we were able to bring back the fan favorites of gardening, book club, a school store, sewing, and science investigations.” Finke continues, “Connecting life skills to classroom academics are allowing our students to really expand their horizons.”

Students also have the opportunity to get assistance in the homework help sessions.

Finke says 45 ILMS students are consistently attending the wide variety of programs offered on Monday and Wednesday after school from 3-4:30 pm this fall. He is looking to increase attendance during the winter session that will take place in January and February. Sign ups for the second session will take place right after Thanksgiving break. Students at ILMS will also have an opportunity to join the third session in the months of March and April. “Therefore, ALL students have the opportunity to participate in the program at some point during the school year even if they are involved in a fall, winter, or spring extracurricular event,” Finke says. 

Careers@ILSCareers@ILSCareers@ILS

Over at ILHS, site coordinator Matt Steinbarger says dozens of students are expanding their horizons in programs offered after school Monday through Friday. Students may simply attend the ILHS programs they choose. They do not need to sign up. Programs include Book Club, Judo Club, Improv Club, Yoga Club, E-sports, Welding, Art Club, Robotics, ACT Prep and Science Clubs. In addition, students may take advantage of after-school tutoring from teachers, which is a major component of the grant. 

Originally, building a boardwalk structure that extends into the ILES Wetland was a goal of Careers@ILS. Steinbarger says the biggest challenge this year will be to overcome the rapidly rising cost of materials for this portion of the overall project. 

“It is on hold at the moment while trying to find a less expensive options for installing the poles for the framework.” 

The Careers@ILS grant program provides snacks for students staying after school and bus transportation home, if needed.

This is the second 21st Century Grant of its kind to be awarded to the Indian Lake School district. From the years 2015 to 2017 Indian Lake High School operated a similar program on a more limited basis. Careers@ILS began in 2019.