C-Y POTTSTOWN STUDENTS HAVE COMMUNITY PARTNERS

It is easy to see why the students in Mr. Dennis Arms’ Pottstown High School computer applications/career exploration class enjoy working with our local business partners. Recently, the students took a field trip to CMD Transportation Services Inc. located on Farmington Avenue. There they met Ms. Jennifer Ridgeway, Supervisor of Transportation. She gave the students a tour of the facility which included office space and a large repair facility. During the tour, students asked questions of the various employees about the specifics of their job. The class took special interest in a transit bus that was brought from Maryland all the way to Pottstown to be repaired. They noted that the Pottstown facility was capable of highly technical repairs that many other transportation companies could not complete. In order to return to the high school from CMD Services, the students took advantage of the Pottstown Area Rapid Transit bus system. For many of the students, it was the first time they had ever used the Pottstown public transportation system. They received more than just a ride back to school. During the short trip back, they discussed the various career opportunities available in the transportation field. Mr. Arms said, “CMD Services provided an outstanding opportunity for our students to see and learn firsthand about a wide variety of career opportunities in the field of transportation.” -2- Mr. Arms’ class found themselves next walking from Pottstown High School across the street to the YMCA to meet with their Executive Director Mrs. Joan Daly. They were given a tour of the facility and learned about careers available in human services. Representatives from marketing, aquatics, finance, and administration departments all met with students to talk about the various career opportunities available and the educational requirements for each job. The class toured the Wellness Center, pool area, gymnasium, Early Learning Center, and Senior Center. Mrs. Daly shared with the students, hints and tips about applying for jobs. At the end of the tour, each student was provided with a free pass to enjoy the YMCA facilities for a day. Mrs. Daly said, “We are happy to host classes like this so that our future citizens can learn about the opportunities that are provided by the YMCA. Our longstanding partnership with the school district has been rewarding for us and hopefully has been educational for the students.”