Tartan Career Pathways

Last week, Tartan High School partnered with ROYAL CREDIT UNION to provide 180 students (Gr. 10-12) a real-life simulation of money and finances. In effect, students got to "test drive" their future to see what it takes to make it on their own as a 25 year-old.

During the simulation, students used an app to choose their education level and career. They were randomly assigned a family status, which then calculated their net monthly salary. They then had to make difficult financial decisions in 11 different categories with a goal of getting through the month without running out of money. (promo video)

Following the event, the students completed a satisfaction survey. Results are as follows:

• 94% felt this simulation helped them understand how money/bills work in the real world
• 90% think this event should be offered every year [to seniors]

Student feedback from the prompt, "I was surprised to learn..."

• "If you don't budget, you will run out of money real quick."
• "I was surprised daycare is so expensive."
• "That groceries cost almost $400 a month."
• "How expensive childcare is."
• "I'm gonna wait on the child thing. Maybe when I get $5 million."
• "You can't buy a house if your credit score is less than 700!!!"

Under the direction of teachers, Ms. Strandberg, Ms. Ross and Ms. Voss, their students provided snacks and beverages to our volunteers throughout game day. We are grateful for their excellent service! Snacks and beverages generously provided by the Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce.

In an effort to ensure equity and inclusion in our game day event, Royal Credit Union brought along two dozen iPads for students to use if they didn't have a personal device. Our fabulous technology pro, Nate Panek, along with his three student interns Gabe, Ethan and Osman, checked each iPad to make sure we could connect to Wi-Fi with no issues. THANK YOU, Tech Team, for your help with game day!

Our students, who were enrolled in our Technical Education courses, enjoyed learning about a variety of trades careers through a series of speakers and one tour. Special thanks to:

• Michelle Dreier, ELECTRICAL ASSOCIATION, for teaching our students about complete circuits by assembling a paper helicopter.

• Noah Pratt, Marcus Raines and Ben Coplan, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, for spending an entire day at Tartan to teach students about careers in the trades. Thanks also for letting the students try out the virtual reality goggles!

• Lisa Larson, Emergency Automotive, who showed our automotive students around the shop. Our students got to see the process of building-out and maintaining emergency vehicles. See also the "featured student" section of this newsletter for more about Emergency Automotive

"Some people want to be police officers. I want to build the cars." -Cameron Sachs

This story of senior Cameron Sachs is a perfect example of the value of career exploration. Following our tour of Emergency Automotive, Cameron expressed an interest in working there. He completed the application process and was hired into a part-time paid position!

Cameron is the third Tartan student to land a paid internship and subsequent full-time position with EATI. THIS is Career Pathways! We are thankful to Lisa Larson and the rest of the EATI team for our long-standing partnership.

Emergency Automotive Technologies, Inc.

North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters

Electrical Association

ROYAL CREDIT UNION and game day volunteers:

Deb Paulsen, RCU

Cooper Larson, RCU
Abigail Anderson, RCU
Mikaela Reynolds, RCU

Amanda Myrick, RCU

Jack Livingston, RCU

Amy Burma, RCU

Laura Sorensen, RCU

Tearra Varner, RCU

Shannon Tenner, parent volunteer
Major Corinna Martinez, US Marines

Chi Vue, US Marines
Holly Koep, Apollo Heating & Air, OACC
Margaret Tozier, CCF Bank, OACC
John Larson, C.A.S.T. MN, OACC
Chris Volkers, City of Oakdale, OACC
Stacie Penn, Carol Mathey's Childcare Center, OACC
Laurel Molin, Staff- Tartan HS
Sam Gilliland, American Family, OACC
Jeffry Borglum, Techie Dudes, OACC
Christina Forsythe, Staff-Tartan HS
Julia Martens, ISD 622 School Board

Heather Chevaillier, volunteer

Book an appointment w/ Ms. McLean for support with CAREER PLANNING.

Email: mmclean@isd622.org
Website: https://www.isd622.org/domain/1608
Location: 828 Greenway Ave N, Oakdale, MN, USA
Phone: 651-702-8668