Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1449741
Adult Alternative CTE Committee and is the CTE subcommittee chair. "We have a production line. Students rotate into posi- tions at different stations." Other students and educators took part. "At nights, high school AVID students, middle school leadership students and teachers, parents, school board members, and superintendents helped wrap the gifts," says Davis. Gunnersen's students dressed as elves to give the toys to delighted elementary school kids. "What I teach leads to lucrative careers," says Gunnersen, explain- ing his thinking behind the project. "Students enjoyed what they learn but didn't understand their newly gained skills could have positive effects in the world around them. This project lets them give a gift and recognize they're making a dif- ference in someone's life, that they have talents and services they can provide to the community." He says he often gets calls from businesses and industry requesting talented students who are inter- ested in working in manufacturing and construction, as it's become increasingly harder to fill jobs for lack of a trained talent pool. He notes that local businesses contribute to the project, making a positive influence that extends well beyond students. "Businesses, par- ents and the community at large get involved, from offering food and funding to helping in the woodshop." CTA Community Engagement Project Grants Many CTA chapters work with individual stakeholders and community organizations on behalf of their students. If your chapter is interested in starting a new project to explore building community connections and needs seed funding, consider applying for a CTA Community Engagement Project Grant. Con- tact your Regional UniServ staff or send email to communityeventsandgrants@cta.org. " This project lets students give a gift and recognize they're making a difference in someone's life, that they have talents and services they can provide to the community." — Lance Gunnersen, El Dorado UHSD Faculty Association Davis and the presidents of the other chapters who won the community grant will likely reapply this year. Chapters representing other elementary district feeder schools may also join in for an even bigger impact on the community. Gunnersen is ready. "I have some kids who say the event has encouraged them to sign up for my class again," he laughs. 52 cta.org CTA & You El Dorado High School students dress as elves to deliver gifts and engage children in creative activities. Stephanie Davis