County Materials Corporation is fostering connections for career opportunities in local communities where the company has locations, most recently by hosting a plant tour for high school students at its Maxwell, IN pipe and precast manufacturing facility.
On April 6th, 2018 County Materials welcomed 23 juniors and seniors from Greenfield Central High School to their Maxwell facility for a tour as part of the school’s weekly soft skills lessons. “Many of our students plan to enter the workforce directly after high school,” said Tammi Broadus, a teacher who attended the tour with her students. “Our soft skills lessons include resume writing, managing finances, the cost of apartments and more. The tour at County Materials provided students insight on the operations and necessary skills for employment in the manufacturing industry.”
The tour proved beneficial for one student who applied, was offered a position, and started working at County Materials only a few weeks later.
In addition to educating students on jobs in manufacturing and construction, County Materials values and supports student mentoring opportunities in local communities. As a result, the company initiated collaboration with the Greenfield Central School District in January 2018 when the company’s philanthropic arm, the Sonnentag Foundation, awarded the Greenfield Central School Foundation (GCSF) a $700 grant to purchase equipment and supplies for their Project ARROW mentoring program. Project ARROW matches junior high-level students identified as being likely to not graduate from high school without intervention with high school students who serve as mentors. In addition, adult community members volunteer to supervise goal setting, skill-building and group activities.
The Sonnentag Foundation grant supported Project Arrow’s spring 2018 programs and activities. “I had nothing but great feedback from the students,” said Linda Yates, Director of the Cougar Online Academy at GCHS. “This mentoring experience helps the students grow in their leadership skills and is such a rewarding opportunity for them. The new equipment made possible through the grant greatly enhances the program.”
