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Narrative: "Gateways" is a successful work-based learning project located in the Newbern business district. Three unique activities are provided to eighty-four (84) students a year from Dyer County High School. The partnership includes educators, the City of Newbern who provides the downtown facility at no cost, Jimmy Dean Foods that donates all the food, Tennessee Technology Center, other local businesses, parents and community leaders.
The three primary activities of "Gateway" are The Alley Café, Job club and Floral Basket Club. The Café is open for breakfast during the school year and the students work there in nine-week intervals. Proceeds go back into the project to ensure sustainability. Students learn hands-on how to operate a small business.
The Job Club teaches work skills over a nine-week period utilizing videos, business tours, classroom discussion and computer programs. The Floral Basket Club gives students an opportunity to learn horticulture skills while providing landscaping care in the area around the Alley Café.
It Works! As a moneymaking enterprise, "Gateways" will be able to sustain itself. A Goals 2000 grant provides funding for the 1998-99 school year. Students see the correlation between academic and job skills, thus improving their attendance at school. Leadership skills and self-esteem are enhanced because students have an opportunity to run their own business.
Contact:
Joyce Johnson, STC Coordinator
Dyer County High School
820 Williams Street
Newbern, TN 38059
901/627-2229 Voice
901/627-2152 Fax
E-mail: Jjohnson@mail.dyer-lea.dyer.K12.tn.us