Winona Area Public SchoolsA partnership with Winona Senior High School (WSHS), Winona Area Chambers of Commerce and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has allowed students to experience a career field they express interest in. Five WSHS students recently had the opportunity to tour Winona Health. While visiting they were shown around different areas of the building, exposed to different equipment, and had the chance to observe patient care. This type of experience helps each student see if this career path is what they would like for their future. Nicole Schossow, REACH Program Manager stated, "Our students really enjoy the time they spend on immersion with our business partners. Not only do they get to clarify their career choices, they interact with employers in our community who are hiring right now."
After receiving a tour of Winona Health, the students split into groups and broke out into specific tour of certain areas in radiology and sleep studies. They were able to work closely with employees at Winona Health and were provided the opportunity to ask any question they may have. After learning about the career fields in their courses, it is beneficial for students to get the first-hand experience.
REACH is a partnership between the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota State College Southeast and Winona Area Public Schools, made possible with the support of Chamber business partners, Winona State University, and St. Mary's University. The vision of REACH is to prepare SE MN high school students for future careers and help provide an employment ready, skilled workforce for Winona’s major industry sectors. The career fields offered at Winona Senior High School include manufacturing, health care, and human services, with a new program in professional building trades beginning fall of 2019.