A first-ever Industry Bus Tour was arranged by the Adams County Education Consortium to bring area employers face-to-face with high school students, faculty, and administration working to integrate workplace competencies with academic instruction.

Professionals got first-hand views of how well prepared area youth are for post-high school success.

Citing interests in creating viable employment opportunities for these graduates, curiosity regarding the quality of the programs and students, and an interest in getting involved in school-based programming, these 18 professionals represented the industries of healthcare, construction, manufacturing, automotives, economic development, government, banking and finance.

The participating schools of Adams City High School, Bollman Technical Education Center, Brighton High School and Westminster High School, allowed their students to do the talking as they lead tours and offered profiles of their course work. A focus on their professional preparation for careers directly and indirectly matching these industries gave their business visitors much to consider. "Just seeing some kids still have a want and need to learn" gave the business visitors a renewed confidence in the results achieved through these hands-on programs.

Building bridges between business and education is critical to career and technical education since each discipline requires an advisory team of professionals in order to ensure that graduates are ready for the next professional step in their careers. Many of those attending this tour expressed interest in ongoing opportunities to remain engaged with these students and the programs.

About Adams County Education Consortium (ACEC)


Adams County Education Consortium is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to develop a county wide partnership that will enhance the academic skills development, career knowledge and exploration, and relevant work ready skills for all learner groups in Adams County.

The group includes representation from the Adams County school districts, post secondary education, economic development, local governments, community based organizations, social and human services, economic development and the business community. The ACEC executive committee is comprised of the area superintendents, community college presidents and business leaders who unanimously support the initiative. The director of the ACEC is located at Adams County Economic Development, a sister agency to the Consortium.