Lawton, OK – Leadership Lawton Fort Sill (LLFS) Class XXIX, in coordination with Lawton Public Schools, have launched an online platform for participation in the recently established “AIM” (Apprenticeship, Internship, Mentorship) initiative, which will build community partnerships to better engage and prepare local youth for life after high school.
\r\nThe platform is part of LLFS Class XXIX’s class project – a two-pronged educational service project – that will be finalized and fully revealed this summer.
\r\n“AIM is a wonderful program that helps young people hone leadership skills and find their passion,” said Tiffany Martinez Vrska, member of LLFS Class XXIX. “The scope of this program includes various facets – the leadership “AIM for Lawton” 3-day course, job shadowing opportunities and industry touring – and the purpose is to expose students to all available resources and opportunities in their community. There are so many ways for Lawtonians to now have a hand in the future of these students.”
\r\nThe online participation platform allows business professionals or organizations to digitally sign up, specifying their career field and the methods in which they would like to support students. Approximately 25 entities were involved in the program during its first year, 2018, and LLFS hopes to more than double that participation rate by summer.
\r\n“The mission of Lawton Public Schools is to prepare career-bound citizens,” said Lynn Cordes, another member of LLFS Class XXIX and executive director of media & technology services for Lawton Public Schools. “This class project helps us do just that by allowing students the opportunity to experience chosen career-fields, observe them first-hand or meet with experts in the field. We are working to engage them with this program beginning at the sophomore level so they have time to consider and digest options, and form the best type of career plans.”
\r\nThose who sign up to participate will be vetted by LPS administration and then entered into an online database for staff, students and families to survey while exploring career pathways. For more information, call the LPS Communications Department at 580.357.6900.