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Narrative:  This project was begun in response to the need to infuse hands-on School-to-Career concepts rapidly to over 80 facilities in the Knox County school district. Knox County's educators expressed concerns that although the STC concepts sounded good, they were unclear on how to integrate them into their classroom. Ten high schools piloted the Twelve Step concept, sending individual representatives to serve on a monthly after-hours committee. Guest speakers were brought in to cover a different topic each month while encouraging the group to work through the twelve steps of:

1. Selecting a course or subject area and adding a "reality" link.
2. Determining the current needs of the course or subject area.
3. Identifying related industries that can assist with #2 and represent areas of student interest.
4. Targeting local companies that offer employment in one or more jobs.
5. Prioritizing employers you want to partner with in your project.
6. Researching the primary goals, mission, needs, strengths and concerns of the top three companies.
7. Proposing and developing a mutually beneficial program that includes needs of employee and employer.
8. Planning a timeline and a strategy.
9. Presenting your proposal to your company representatives.
10. Persisting in your contact with the companies.
11. Partnering by continuing contact and input with companies.
12. Publicizing the development and successes of your partnership.

Each committee member gave a final presentation on their project at the end of the school year and showed how the project clearly demonstrated STC concepts.

It Works!  In its first year, this program yielded 9 long-term classroom/school building projects. In succeeding years, 70% of the elementary and middle schools in the district joined the project. Nationwide recognition was given at the National Tech Prep Conference in Kansas City in 1998.

Contact:
Cindy Atchley, Post-Secondary Coordinator
601 West Summit Hill Drive, Suite 300
Knoxville, TN 37902-2011
(P)865-632-3725
(F)865-523-2071
E-mail: hludlow@kacp.com