Utica CSD to Host Women in Manufacturing Day to Proctor Students
November 9, 2023 The Utica CSD is partnering with MACNY, the Manufacturers Association to host the first annual Women in Manufacturing Summit to 100 Proctor High School students ranging from grades 10-12. The November 9 event will be held on the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus.
MACNY announced a cohort of selected Proctor seniors from this year’s graduating class will participate in the Real-Life Rosie pre-apprenticeship program this spring. The Women in Manufacturing Day event will create exposure and awareness for females who want to grow professionally through a wide variety of opportunities in the manufacturing industry starting at an early age. MACNY aims to fill a substantial, unmet need to enhance helping women transition into manufacturing. Women account for only 29% of the manufacturing workforce. MACNY is partnering with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), Working Solutions, and other community-based organizations to attract and connect women to apprenticeships and occupations as well as support services like mentorship, childcare subsidies, and transportation vouchers.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute will be the host location for the event and will provide tours of its Center for Global and Advanced Manufacturing. Professional females employed in manufacturing will also speak to students about their personal growth in the industry, opportunities for advancement, and benefits of a secure career. Students will also engage with speakers through hands-on STEM activities. SUNY Poly will host lunch as well to provide the full college experience to students.
Utica CSD and MACNY will also partner with Semikron Danfoss to provide tours of their nearby state-of-the-art development and production plant that includes cleanroom manufacturing to design, prototype, and manufacture power solutions worldwide.
Business partner involvement is a vital part of the development of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in the District. Partners provide authentic and meaningful career exploration and education experiences for students including group activities, mentoring, job site visits, industry challenges, job shadowing and internships in fields that students have an interest. Partners from MACNY, SUNY Poly, and Semikron Danfoss all serve on Utica CSD advisory committees to backwards design new CTE pathways that will be housed in the new addition of Proctor High School by the 2025 school year.
Early exposure to career readiness initiatives includes options to earn college credit and prepare students with skills that support workforce development in the Mohawk Valley. As a result of the work being done district-wide to create career readiness opportunities for students, the Utica CSD anticipates an increase in student engagement and performance for all students in the District as we aim to create a pipeline of workforce talent to support economic growth in the region.
About the Utica City School District
The Utica City School District is a public school district serving approximately 9,700 students, committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities for all students, ensuring they are well prepared for college, career and life.
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