SAMA finishes pilot program

Some Parkview high schools students have gone from in-school detention to dining in the Tower Club, thanks to their own hard work and the aid of the Springfield Area Manufacturers Association (SAMA).

Last week was the conclusion of the Greater Opportunities for Achievement and Learning (GOAL) program, which took at-risk students and partnered them with SAMA member businesses. A pilot program, GOAL brought freshmen out of the school halls and into the workplace of area manufacturers.

The luncheon was an opportunity for students, teachers and SAMA members to share their experiences and successes together. Testimonials were offered and hope was raised that funding could be allocated not only to continue the program but also expand it to other schools.

The freshmen were hand-picked as the ones who most needed what GOAL could offer. According to Parkview teacher Mike Brown, many were on the verge of dropping out.

"Some kids had a 25 percent attendance rate," Brown said. "Many were behavior-disorder and spent most of the year in in-school suspension."

After analyzing reading scores, overall grades, attendance rates and counselor recommendations, 40 students were picked for GOAL. Participation had to get parental approval, as well as that of the students. By the end of the year, the GOAL team numbered 32.

"We didn't force anyone to do this," said teacher Jeremy Goddard. "They chose to do this." Some kids left the program because their families moved away and others were pulled from the program.

But in the end, all parties involved said that the pilot program was worthwhile.

"Thank you SAMA, if it were not for you, I would not be here today," said freshman Jaclyn Long during a presentation at the event. "You taught me how important school is and that the community does care for its students."

During the school year, the GOAL team visited several SAMA-member businesses. As part of the tours, top-level managers and even owners made themselves available to talk to students about the importance of education and what employers look for when hiring.

Besides helping students, SAMA had another interest in GOAL: preparing the next generation of manufacturing employees.

"This (GOAL) has been very good," said Tom Singleton of Precision Stainless Steel. "This has helped the community and the educational system interface."

Freshman Charles Gregory also gave a testimonial at the event, telling the assembly that GOAL has shown him want he wants to do in life an entrepreneur.

"We have all learned a lot from this," Gregory said. "We know if we go anywhere that we will need an education. I would like to thank the companies that let us know what we can expect from life."

Gregory said the idea of "going to work in a suit" appealed to him. "I know now that I will have to buckle down and stay in school," he said. "I want to stay in school, this is where I belong and I will stay here until I graduate."

Jack Gentry, president of Positronic Industries, praised students for their work in GOAL. "We looked at you not wondering if you had potential but how to reach you. We hope we have sent a message that would be important to you for the rest of your life."

The GOAL program was funded jointly by SAMA and Springfield schools. However, the future is uncertain for next year.

"It may look a little different next year," said Parkview counselor Jack Carter. "We are under some financial constraints. To do this the same way next year, we would have to hire four new teachers."

Gentry said he has high hopes to continue the GOAL program. "This has been a very satisfying experience for SAMA and we stand ready to repeat that."