SWAMPSCOTT — The town’s high school students are benefiting from a partnership with Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, giving them the opportunity to take academic classes in the morning and vocational courses in the afternoon.
The eight juniors in the program take their core academic courses at Swampscott High School before being transported by bus to Essex North Shore in Danvers. After lunch, they take CTE (Career and Technical Education) classes in areas including auto technology, plumbing, engineering, and construction.
“This program brings more opportunities for college and career to students,” said SHS Principal Dennis Kohut. “We’re very excited about it.”
Swampscott is one of five school districts ― along with Beverly, Marblehead, Peabody, and Salem ― participating in this program, which was formerly known as After Dark, since the vocational classes were taken after the school day ended and students did not get home until nighttime.
“This is a life-changing opportunity for students,” said Maryanne Gearin, CTE expansion liaison at Essex North Shore. “It’s based on the needs of employers in this area. We are increasing access to technical training.”
The program is made possible by state Chapter 74 funding for approved technical-education programs, Gearin added.
“It’s thinking outside the box,” she said. “It’s very creative programming that gives students the best of all worlds. We have co-op programs with local businesses that are waiting for our workers.”
When students graduate, they will have accumulated 900 hours of technical training and industry-recognized credentials in their field.
Superintendent of Schools Pamela Angelakis – whose daughter is an Essex North Shore graduate – said it is important to provide this type of opportunity for Swampscott students.
“I am really grateful that our students will have the chance to gain valuable technical skills and experience,” she said. “Whether they want to move on to college or go directly into a trade, they will be well prepared for the next step.”
In a related but separate development, Swampscott was one of 43 districts statewide to receive the Innovation Pathways designation from the commonwealth last spring. The purpose of the program is to connect students with an industry sector in which there is a demand for employees. Swampscott chose advanced manufacturing, which is one of the five pathways.
Students take CTE courses and academic courses, according to SHS Guidance Director Emily Zotto. As seniors, they do an internship in their chosen area of study. By the time they graduate, they will earn nine college credits through North Shore Community College.
In addition to the eight students in the Essex Tech program, there are about a dozen SHS students in grades 9 and 10 taking Introduction to Engineering, which will lead into the Innovation Pathways program.
“We wanted to start with a reasonable number so we have a good understanding of what it entails,” Kohut said. “We will be prepared to expand our involvement as we go.”
