Damon Theodule isn’t sure what he wants to do after graduation. But the Taunton High student has a better idea now, after spending time on campus as part of the The Bridge to Employment (BTE) Program.
“I wanted to see what it was about, get the opportunity to work with these people and see what I want to do after high school,” he said.
The program is a partnership between Taunton Area School to Career, the DePuy Synthes Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Morton Hospital, Bristol Community College and BSU. The goal is to give students the opportunity to explore many professions and expose them to the options offered through higher education.
The BTE program consists of 45 students in 10th grade at Taunton High School who are enrolled in the academic or standard level classes. Students in these levels have classes that are less rigorous and there is a lack of exposure to the STEM fields. Many of these students are first generation college and unlikely to be engaged in other extracurricular activities.
Through BTE, the selected students are exposed to various careers in the health and STEM industry in hopes of motivating them to pursue higher levels of education. Through academic enrichment activities, career readiness and exploration opportunities, and higher education preparation, these students will be encouraged to build a better future and achieve their full potential.
“I’m here to explore the field of science and get the opportunity to visit BSU,” said student Luanthony Vega.
The hoped-for outcomes for the participating Taunton High students include graduation and college readiness, in addition to decreased absenteeism, the taking of the SAT and increased participation in extracurricular activities.
BSU student Brendan Moran, ‘16, is contributing to the program by lending his experience and knowledge in the science field to the participating students. “As a bio major it gives me experience to teach the students and an opportunity to be involved on campus,” he said. (Story and photos by student Caitlin Seddon)