Senior Sendoff: The Importance of School-Community Partnerships in Family and Consumer Sciences

Abstract

School-community partnerships in rural settings can promote quality student education, family relationships, and community vitality. Rural schools often serve as the “hubs” of communities and build on intergenerational connections that exist with these schools. In one rural school, the family and consumer sciences department and other career and technical education (CTE) teachers developed a unique community partnership project called Senior Sendoff, which equips graduating seniors with necessary materials, financial means, and educational seminars as they transition to the workforce. With the collaboration of parents, businesses, and community members, students gain support and increased preparedness for success after graduation. Family and consumer sciences has focused on preparing students as they transition from high school into the workforce throughout its history. This article discusses the importance of partnerships between CTE departments and the school community
as well as the success of the Senior Sendoff project.