Nearly 100 students and parents from the St. Vrain Valley School District participated in the inaugural ‘Parents Night’ event on February 22, 2024 co-hosted by the Boulder Chamber and Boulder Area Manufacturing Sector Partnership.
Participants toured multiple manufacturing facilities across the Boulder and Weld County region for a night of experiential learning. Tours included:
• BI, Inc. • CES • Emerson | • Epocs • McKesson | • SparkFun |
The inaugural event unveiled careers and industries that were previously unknown to many parents and students. Students contemplating their future career path and parents seeking guidance and information on behalf of their high school student, heard directly from manufacturing professionals about the wide range of careers available, from engineering and design, to production and management.
They also discussed a number of diverse educational pathways and work-based learning opportunities including internship, apprenticeships, training, and post secondary options available to students.
I loved seeing my child so engaged with the tour guide, asking questions and showing the curiosity of a young child as a high school student. I know he is pursuing the right career after seeing him on the tour. — Parent, 10th Grader at Erie High School
The various tours provided an opportunity to experience firsthand the innovative processes and technologies used in modern manufacturing, including the latest technological advancements shaping the future of manufacturing and how they are revolutionizing various industries.
School districts like St. Vrain and Boulder Valley regularly engage the Boulder Area Manufacturing Sector Partnership (BAMSP) to gain insight into skill development, certifications, and evolving technology to ensure high school coursework remains relevant and easily transitions students to post-secondary opportunities, including careers.
We are extremely grateful for our partnership with the Boulder Chamber and the Boulder Area Manufacturing Sector Partnership. They provide us with invaluable industry connections and help foster meaningful work-based learning experiences for our students. — Buck Webber, Assistant Principal, CETC
The BAMSP currently has four strategic priorities — workforce and talent development, supply chain, operations improvement, and public policy. By far, the most engaging topic is the development of new talent for its workforce.
“The biggest win for the sector partnership was the excitement and willingness to participate from industry partners. Nine companies offered tours and nearly all expressed interest in continuing to engage students and participate in community events like Parent Night in the future,” says BAMSP Convener and Boulder Chamber Economic Vitality Specialist Olivia Beckstead.
With the help of BAMSP's convener and HB21-1264 stimulus funds directed through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), the sector partnership is making headway. The sector partnership looks forward to growing this event and similar programs focused on career exploration, work-based learning and career opportunities.
If you or someone you know is interested in supporting this partnership, please contact BAMSP Convener Olivia Beckstead.