Becker High School's Collaborative Initiative Fueled by Community Partnerships and an RTS Innovation Grant Revolutionizes Student Experience

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A partnership comprising Becker School District's DECA club, Sherburne State Bank, Becker Lions Club, SCR INC., Altra Blind Cleaning, Snake River Farm, Keller Williams- Felton Home Team, Becker Blends, Becker Community Center, Marvel Nutrition, Realtime Solutions, and Cortrust Bank has been awarded a $6,550 Resource Training & Solutions CTE Innovation Grant.

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In the bustling halls of Becker High School, a groundbreaking initiative is taking shape – Chewy’s Concessions, brought to you by Becker DECA. With the generous support of community partnerships, donations totaling over $7,300, alongside funds from a Resource Training & Solutions CTE Innovation grant, Becker DECA is poised to revolutionize the high school experience with a mobile concession stand.

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Josh Otto, the Business Education Teacher at Becker High School, serves as the Project Lead for this new initiative. At the heart of the project lies the acquisition and customization of a food truck to meet the school's operational needs. Josh mentions they are already in the process of purchasing a food truck to run concessions at their outdoor events in the spring and fall. “This food truck will be a great resource for our community, fans, and visitors.” This venture isn't solely about profits; it's about equipping students with tangible business experiences. "Students have already contributed by researching and following through with the buying process for starting a food truck. They are studying regulations, shopping for inventory, scheduling workers, and learning standard customer service skills.”

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Chewy’s Concessions represents more than just a business; it's a strategic response to local workforce needs. Through hands-on experiences, students will graduate with a competitive edge, armed with practical skills and professional networks. Local businesses, in turn, benefit from access to a motivated workforce and innovative marketing opportunities, fostering a symbiotic relationship with Becker DECA.

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Success for this initiative hinges on more than just financial gains. By analyzing event profitability, staffing efficiency, and customer feedback, Becker DECA aims to continuously refine and improve its operations. The ultimate measure of success lies in the lasting impact on students today and for future generations.

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The Career and Technical Education Innovation Grants provided by Resource Training & Solutions support opportunities for businesses and schools to collaborate in hands-on CTE exploration, exposure, and experiences for students in grades 7 through 12. Schools partner with local businesses and industries to apply for matching funds to support these innovative projects.

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As the wheels of Chewy’s Concessions begin to turn, Becker DECA embarks on a journey of discovery, growth, and community impact. Together, they redefine the boundaries of high school entrepreneurship, leaving an indelible mark on the school and the world beyond. Chewy’s Concessions aims to be fully operational, serving the school community with pride by March 1st, 2024.

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For more information about our CTE Innovation Grants please visit this website or contact Alsion Orgaard, CTE Manager at aorgaard@resourcecoop-mn.gov.