"Food for Thought" is defined as "something for someone to think about, issues to be considered."
Bradley County Director of Schools Director, Dr. Linda Cash will speak at the Chamber’s “Food for Thought” membership luncheon with a comprehensive update about the proposed PIE (Partnerships in Industry and Education) Center and aspired path for collaborative success.
Education, community and business leaders are addressing the universal concern about students’ limited understanding of career opportunities through the PIE Innovation Center. “The whole emphasis of the PIE Center is hands-on training,” explained Dr. Cash. “Which is something that rarely happens today in classrooms.” Dr. Cash noted, “We can build those skills, so when they graduate they can move on to programs at Cleveland State or on to full-time employment.”
The PIE Innovation Center is a planned workforce development center that will allow juniors and seniors enrolled in Bradley County schools as well as Polk County Schools (with plans of expansion to Meigs, McMinn and North Hamilton County Schools) to receive training in a variety of career fields. The center will collaborate with local business, industry and community partners to provide learning opportunities for both college and career-bound students through a combination of STEM classroom instruction, skill development, and on-the-job training.
The vision of the PIE Center is an extension of current programs and an expansion of more opportunities for local students and those in surrounding areas. “We are taking the educational experience to a whole different level by actually partnering in a centralized location with for-profit businesses and companies who will be leasing space and offering students on the job training,” expressed Dr. Cash. “There is currently nothing like what this center will offer to a community or workforce in the state. This Center will allow the business and industry field to work hand in hand with our educators to ensure, as we prepare students from 4th and 5th grade on, their track will be seamless into a career in well-paying jobs.”
Dr. Cash brings over 30 years of experience instructing students and teachers, securing resources, and implementing programs. She has served in educational administrative positions since 2002 and in her current role as Director of Bradley County Schools since 2015.
The noon “Food for Thought” Dutch-treat luncheon held at the Cleveland / Bradley Chamber of Commerce office requires reservations to facilitate room setup and food. Please call the Chamber at 423-472-6587 to make your reservation or visit the events calendar on the Chamber’s website, www.clevelandchamber.com, by noon on Monday, Sept. 16.
Thursday Sep 19, 2019
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM EDT
Thursday, Sept. 19
Noon-1 p.m.
Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce
225 Keith St SW
Cleveland TN 37311
Members: $15 per person
Non Members: $25 per person.
Members who wish to use Tier admission credits should call the Chamber office at 472-6587 to register.
Bernadette Douglas, 423-472-6587
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