7th Graders from the Dearborn STEM Academy pose with worksite partner Kelsey Munger, owner of Monumental Market as they show off their cupcake frosting work.
On June 14, 2023, a historic event took place at Dearborn STEM Academy—the first-ever 7th Grade Apprentice Learning Expo. This event was a way to introduce the 7th graders to Apprentice Learning and provided students with invaluable hands-on experiences and insights into potential careers.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Annetta Dingle of “Girlfriend Hooked Me Up Hair Salon” and Tara Jones, whose expertise and guidance made the hair stylist track an enriching experience for the young apprentices. Their dedication to mentoring and teaching the students valuable skills in hairstyling is truly commendable. Similarly, we express our sincere thanks to Kelsey Munger from Monumental Market for her efforts in the bakery decoration track, allowing the students to explore the creative world of pastry design and cake decoration.
A special mention goes to Darlene Marcano, the Headmaster of Dearborn STEM Academy, for her unwavering support and commitment to providing innovative educational opportunities for students. We also express our gratitude to David Moreno, Tania Baez, and Josh Fidalgo, who played instrumental roles in coordinating and facilitating the Apprentice Learning Expo. Their dedication to the students’ growth and development is truly inspiring.
Furthermore, our sincere appreciation goes to Nos Casa Cafe for generously providing breakfast to the participants, ensuring they started the day with nourishment and energy. Their support and contribution to this event are deeply valued.
We cannot overlook the tremendous contribution of EdVestors, an organization dedicated to improving urban education, whose support made this inaugural event possible. Their commitment to fostering innovative and experiential learning opportunities for students is invaluable. We extend our heartfelt thanks to EdVestors for their belief in the transformative power of hands-on education.
As we celebrate the success of the first-ever 7th Grade Apprentice Learning Expo, we eagerly anticipate expanding this opportunity for more 7th graders in the coming years. With the invaluable lessons learned from this event, we can refine and enhance the program to reach a broader audience. By providing young students with early exposure to different career paths, we empower them to make informed decisions about their future and instill a passion for lifelong learning.
Interested in participating in the next 7th Grade Apprentice Learning Expo? Please reach out to Michele Horn at mhorn@apprenticelearning.org or fill out our Get Involved form.
