A survey of 100 freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at Iola High School revealed that more than half want to study law enforcement or join the military.
The survey asked students to select from options not already provided by the school, including those in healthcare and education.
Even so, the results surprised IHS principal Scott Crenshaw and prompted him to suggest the district look for ways to better prepare students for such careers, including partnering with Iolas police and fire department.
I think we have to get really creative, Crenshaw said.
The next most popular choices were automotive technician and auto body repair.
Crenshaw said its important for the district to find opportunities to prepare students for the workforce if they do not pursue higher education.
If were going to meet the needs of the kids by the interests they have, weve got to figure out how to do it or theyre going to continue to be potentially disenfranchised with education, he said.
The district similarly could modify its internship program, he suggested. The program matches students with jobs in local businesses in health care, auto repair and others.
But if the district changed the internship program to an apprentice program, it could access federal funds to pay students for their work without cost to the business, Crenshaw said. More than 2,000 businesses in Kansas are part of an apprentice program.
Crenshaw credited guidance counselor Melissa Stiffler for writing a grant that was approved to purchase a $10,000 programming device for the robotics course. The device allows students to learn how to control automation services for robotics and computer numerical control systems, using the FANUC system. Local industries, including B&W Trailer Hitches, and warehouse distribution systems use the same type of control systems. Earning a certification for the FANUC device could give students a leg up in those industries, Crenshaw said.
It opens up a huge area where a student can get one or two FANUC certification levels, he said. Its the future.
The district also could look at other systems, like a model robotics arm for students to learn to program. Such a device could cost about $70,000, but the district will continue to look at grants and funding. Iola potentially could become a training center for that type of technology in southeast Kansas, Crenshaw said.
