Educators in the Workplace visit OMU, Southern Star for IT/STEM session
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Educators in the Workplace program had their first session of the 2024-2025 school year this month by visiting Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) Cavin Water Treatment Plant and Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.
The session focused on IT/STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) career pathways, workforce needs, and internship opportunities available in our region. Participating educators learned about specific career options for students at both OMU and Southern Star while touring the sites and speaking directly with the respective employers. The hosts also connected with educators about presentation options for classroom visits which can be catered to a variety of ages and group sizes.
“The Chamber’s Educators in the Workplace program helps to cultivate and nurture the connection between Owensboro’s educators and our business community.” said Candance Castlen Brake, chamber president and CEO. “This program is a win for everyone involved. Students benefit from career opportunities based on their educators’ knowledge of programs; educators benefit from professional development that links classroom practice with workplace practice; and the businesses win through workforce development potential.”
“Each session of Educators in the Workplace will highlight different career paths and regional workforce opportunities; future sessions for the program year include Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Transportation & Logistics,” said Ashtin Warren, Chamber of Commerce Director of Talent Programs. “We are pleased to have 35 professionals from our local middle schools, high schools, and post-secondary institutions committed to the program this year and thankful for their dedication to their students’ success.”
Educators participating and their school affiliation include:
- Brian Benjamin, Owensboro Public Schools
- Crissy Bowman, Owensboro Middle School
- Matt Brannon, Daviess County High School
- Krista Camp, Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Cassie Campbell, Owensboro Innovation Academy
- Kristina Carpenter, Heritage Park High School
- Jennifer Cecil, iMiddle
- Michael Claycomb, Heritage Park High School
- Leah Cravens, iMiddle
- Ashley Dillbeck, Apollo High School
- Natalie Ellis, Owensboro High School
- Leah Embry, Emerson Academy
- Shawn Gannon, Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Alaina Gant, Owensboro Innovation Academy
- Elizabeth Gramelspacher, Brescia University
- Tripp Grenier, Owensboro High School
- Barney Hall, Daviess County High School
- Leslie Hall, Daviess County Middle School
- Zach Heil, Owensboro Public Schools
- Cary Hicks, Owensboro High Schools
- Jenny Hudson, Owensboro Middle School
- Erin Johnson, Owensboro Middle School
- Berenice Kennedy, Heritage Park High School
- Shanda Larue, Brescia University
- Aimee Miller, Daviess County High School
- Kara Miller, Owensboro High School
- Haley Minton, Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Scott Napier, Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Ryun Schienbein, Owensboro High School
- Steve Sergeant, Apollo High School
- Bayli Stone, Daviess County High School
- Dr. Justin Trulen, Kentucky Wesleyan College
- Angie Vessels, Daviess County Middle School
- Linzie Wells, Owensboro High School
- Educators in the Workplace is a program of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce designed to provide teachers with exposure to the conditions and opportunities available in the workplace in the greater Owensboro region. Teachers and faculty members go on-site to work locations during each semester. Typical on-site visits will include presentations by the host employers about their industry and their workforce, the levels of proficiency required for employees and any other topics employers wish to cover, followed by time for discussion. To learn more about Educators in the Workplace, visit chamber.owensboro.com/programs/workforce-programs
By Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Messenger-Inquirer