A group of incoming Green Run Collegiate freshmen learned how to build wind turbines, change a tire, weld, use a drill press, fly drones and more this summer.
The experience was part of the school’s Summer Bridge Program, offered free of charge to almost 200 GRC students this year thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Truist Foundation. Also included were T-shirts, transportation and meals.
Green Run Collegiate Head of School Rianne Patricio said the program fits with the school’s mission.
“We strive to get to know the students from day one,” she said. “Teachers build relationships and students are exposed to different career paths.”
Green Run Collegiate is a VBCPS public charter school for grades nine to 12. Students are selected in eighth grade through a lottery system.
The school strives to provide students with unique learning experiences, access to challenging coursework, exploration of career fields and support from staff.
“The Summer Bridge Program plays a significant role in that,” Patricio said.
Upperclassmen participated in a two-week Hampton Roads Maritime program at Virginia Wesleyan University. Field trips included the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Virginia International Terminals and Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School.
Others spent a week at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital learning about career opportunities in the medical field and some attended a financial workshop titled “Show Me the Money” hosted by Tidewater Community College.
More than 55 freshmen, including peer counselors, attended a program for incoming ninth graders. During the course of three days, they visited Centura College, Tidewater Tech and Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM).
Director of Outreach and Development Ben Clark and Project Management Director Megan DeHart led the daily activities at each campus.
Students should be exposed early to potential careers, Clark said. The Summer Bridge Program allowed them to try some of the jobs, he said. “They see there’s nothing wrong with working with your hands.”
Students took turns flying a drone in the AIM gym. “It’s just like a car,” Clark told them. “You don’t let go of the steering wheel.”
Earlier that day, they simulated a pre-flight inspection for an actual Cessna aircraft and learned that one airplane needs about 10 mechanics to ensure flight readiness. That means potential jobs. Teamwork skills were used to assemble small miniature airplanes within two minutes.
Cason McReynolds welded, learned about the different parts of hybrid cars and used a drill press to buff metal used to repair airplanes. “I saw some future job opportunities,” the freshman said.
The group met AIM student Dallas Marchand, who helped them drill metal to construct a miniature airplane. Marchand will graduate in September after a year in a Piedmont program at AIM and is guaranteed a job with the aviation company as an air frame and powerplant mechanic.
Freshman Maleina Searcy said she signed up to sample what it will be like to attend Green Run Collegiate. “And it will help me understand what I might like to do and could study in college,” she said.
Green Run Collegiate teacher Olivia Gause coordinated this year’s Summer Bridge Program. She said students learn about careers they didn’t even know existed.
“It really opens their eyes to the possibilities and opportunities that are out there,” she said.
Before the freshmen group received their completion certificates and celebratory pizza, Delegate Jackie Glass offered congratulations. “Don’t be too cool to be curious,” she advised. “Curiosity will take you places.”
