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c. Massachusetts Girls in Trades <br /> Maryanne Ham described that with the support of Dr.Bouquillon,there are now 3 administrators on the <br /> Steering Committee for the MA Girls in Trades initiative (Steve Sharek,Michelle Roche and herself as <br /> chair). She gave a brief history,noting that it was formed in 2015 to address the under-representation of <br /> women entering the construction trades. An initial discussion was held at Minuteman with Encore Boston <br /> Harbor to identify partnership opportunities; it was determined that Minuteman could assist Encore with <br /> their hiring goal for women, and Minuteman could network with the Boston Building Trades. Leaders from <br /> community organizations,trades unions and apprenticeship programs,pre-apprentice programs, <br /> governmental agencies,the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,and Skills USA were <br /> invited to Minuteman. <br /> She noted that as a result of efforts focused on helping high school girls enroll in union construction trades <br /> programs in CTE schools, there are currently 13 Steering Committee members and 26 Advisory Group <br /> Members. This year, an event for all seniors in CTE schools was held to meet with representatives of the 21 <br /> union trades. She noted that one of the barriers to accessing the union construction trades has been a lack of <br /> understanding about the career pathway to the unions. Participating schools are developing new and <br /> stronger relations with the union construction trades because of this program. <br /> She explained that this year,they saw the significant difference made for Minuteman students during senior <br /> presentation week. There was an increased emphasis on union career pathways. Additionally, a state wide <br /> plan is underway to track numbers. <br /> She pointed out that the major event is an Annual Conference and Career Fair. There were 300 students <br /> from 18 schools and 45 educators in attendance in 2016. The conference has been expanded to two events, <br /> one in Western MA and one in Eastern MA. The numbers have more than doubled, reaching more than 45 <br /> schools now,with 37 of those schools attending the Eastern MA event. <br /> She noted that also brought to the CTE schools in MA was the Equity in the Trades Student Leadership <br /> Program. This program,with 21 schools participating, is led by Michelle Roche. All 21 schools have non- <br /> traditional student clubs at their schools following the Equity in the Trades guidelines. The student leaders <br /> of these clubs attend two workshops a year to develop leadership skills. Students promote non-traditional <br /> careers and provide mentoring opportunities. They staff booths presenting non-traditional projects at the <br /> Eastern MA Conference, as well. This year,two students led the opening and closing plenary sessions. <br /> She added that Lt. Governor Karen Polito has spoken at two of the events. The Chief of Staff for Secretary <br /> of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta also spoke, and next year,Maura Healey wants to <br /> participate. Ms. Ham emphasized that this is a great way to build leadership and confidence for young <br /> women interested in the trades. <br /> The Superintendent added that this would not exist without the efforts of Maryanne Ham and Michelle <br /> Roche. Mr. Spalding added that young people are needed in the trades, and he referenced some familiar <br /> names on the lists included in the packet. Mr. Gammill added that this is great, and could be highlighted as <br /> part of George Clement's admissions efforts. <br /> d. Update on NEASC Decennial Visit <br /> The Superintendent reported that he received a favorably reply to his request that NEASC postpone the <br /> Decennial Visit from Spring 2019 to Spring 2021. <br /> e. Recent Awards and Recognitions <br /> The Superintendent called attention to the plaque related to the Markam Award,which will be awarded to <br /> Adam Powell of Arlington at the graduation. He also noted that thanks to the efforts of Steve Sharek,Michelle <br /> 3 <br />