As one of the Top Ten school districts in the State of Michigan, the Troy School District consistently strives to provide educational excellence and leadership skills to its student body. While many school districts solely focus on college readiness and business development for high school seniors, the Troy School District starts preparing students for career success in middle school. The 8th Grade Interview Program is an opportunity for middle school students in the Troy School District to participate in an interview with professional members of the Troy business community. Started by Bonnie Britton, a former media specialist, students get an opportunity to showcase their portfolio of accomplishments, successes, strengths, and passions to community and business leaders who volunteer to facilitate the interviews. From professional development and professional dress to resume writing and best practices for interviews, eighth-grade students from the four Troy middle schools get acclimated to the workforce long before their first job. Written By Tenita C. Johnson INSPIRING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW, TODAY Opening Doors of Opportunity for Students and Local Businesses “There’s a lot of hope for the future,” said Sheila Denstaedt, Vice President of the Troy Chamber of Commerce. “The Troy School District is producing students who have a desire to learn. The students realize there is so much more than simply working a job,” stated Denstaedt. “At the same time, the local business community can see what is coming down the employment pipeline and providing a great opportunity to even meet their future employees or interns.” Firebird Tavern Co-Owner and Troy Resident, Tony Piraino participating in the 8th Grade Interview Program The program is two-fold: eight hours in Career Accelerator classes and the preinternship. In addition to communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, students get to work and serve alongside their peers at top local companies. Out of 89 applicants in the 2023-2024 school year, only 28 students were selected for the pilot program. The new Career Accelerator Program (CAP) bridges the gap between education and the professional world by providing mentorship, career opportunities and business development training for students. For Troy high school juniors and seniors, a greater door of opportunity opens. 6 | EXPERIENCE TROY
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