Life after high school means something different to everyone. The choices are endless, and that can be overwhelming. However, 25 Central Campus seniors know exactly where they are going after they cross the stage at their commencement ceremonies because they started exploring their interests at Central Campus during their time at DMPS.
Elliot Donovan, who attends Roosevelt High School and the Central Campus Electricity Program, will start work with Waldinger Corporation right after high school. Thursday evening, he and his fellow students committed to local companies during a special signing ceremony in the Central Campus auditorium.
“Getting to commit to a job with a contractor before I have even walked across that stage and received my (high school) diploma means a lot,” said Donovan. “It’s made me realize that it’s never too early to get started on your goals and that next step forward.”
Central Campus director Tascha Brown, whose son Jameson also signed with his future employer, said options like Career Technical Education (CTE) in high school build valuable partnerships between students and businesses that turn into real careers following high school graduation.
“All of the seniors celebrated at the event will be earning high wages while working towards licensure and certification in their respective fields with no college debt!” said Brown. “It’s a great option and one we should lift up more.”
Along with math, science, English, and history, these workforce-ready seniors attended Central Campus to develop and hone their skills in a trade while working on a high school diploma. Central Campus offers eight advanced career academies: Business, Information and Technology Arts, Engineering, Environmental and Agri-Sciences, Health Sciences, Human Services, Skilled Trades, and Transportation.
Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development, praised the students and the work underway at Central Campus.
“Central Campus has for many years been a state-wide leader and inspiration for other schools in the development and support of work-based learning programs,” said Townsend. “Leaders like Tascha Brown are changing the lives of students by helping them find career pathways that lead to transportable credentials in high skilled occupations. This not only helps students but also helps build the workforce in the local community by helping employers train their own workforce.”
School leaders say the students attending Central Campus have collectively earned over 7200 college credits, saving parents an estimated 1.3 million dollars just this school year.
“Ensuring every student has a solid plan after graduation and access to financial independence is the best equity work we can do for our community,” said Brown.
Congratulations to our Central Campus Workforce Ready Seniors and our Local Business Partners!
Jameson Brown (Southeast Polk), Central Campus Electrical Program
Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship Program
Uriel Ceniceros (Lincoln High School), Central Campus HVAC and Plumbing Program
Des Moines Public Schools
Aminezgi Gebremedhin (Roosevelt High School), Central Campus Auto Technology Program
Charles Gabus Ford
Hunter Davis (Virtual Campus), Central Campus Electrical Program
Electrical Power Products
Gustason P. Childs (Grandview Christian), Central Campus HVAC and Plumbing Program
City Supply Corporation
Alec Jenkins (Roosevelt High School), Central Campus Auto Technology Program
DeYarman Ford in Indianola
Darion Dixon (North High School), Central Campus Electrical Program
Tri-City Electric and the Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship Program
Hank Schroder (Lincoln High School), Central Campus HVAC & Plumbing Program
Advanced Problem Solutions & Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 33
John Martinez (Lincoln High School), Central Campus Auto Technology Program
Firestone Complete Auto Care
Elliot Donovan (Roosevelt High School), Central Campus Electrical Program
Waldinger Corporation
Madison Tomlinson (Virtual Campus), Central Campus Auto Collision Program
GATR Truck Center
Zachary Heilman (East High School), Central Campus Carpentry Program
Des Moines Public Schools
Alexander Fritz (Lincoln High School), Central Campus Electrical Program
Waldinger Corporation
Jimena Valdez-Hidalgo (East High School), Central Campus Early Childhood Careers Program
Des Moines Public Schools Teacher Apprentice Program
Zachary Glenney, Jr. (Joshua Christian Academy), Central Campus Electrical Program
EP2 Electrical Power Products
Flora Tumusifu (Roosevelt high School), Central Campus Career Opportunities in Health Program
Unity Point Health
Colton James (Lincoln High School), Central Campus Electrical Program
Cupertino Electric
Blu Moo (Roosevelt High School), Central Campus Early Childhood Careers Program
Des Moines Public Schools Teacher Apprentice Program
Jonteze Powell (Hoover High School), Central Campus Electrical Program
EP2 Electrical Power Products
Isabelle Piedras (Roosevelt High School), Central Campus Nurse Aid Program
Unity Point Health
Darien Villanueva (North High School), Central Campus Electrical Program
Baker Group & the Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship
Aylin Rosales Paz (Lincoln High School), Central Campus Early Childhood Careers Program
Des Moines Public Schools Teacher Apprentice Program
Tyler Wissert (East High School), Central Campus Electrical Program
Central Iowa Mechanical
Randy Huynh (North High School), Central Campus Cybersecurity Program
Ruan Transportation
Sabastian Pearson (Hoover High School), Central Campus Electrical Program
Tri-City Electric
