S04E02 - Strategic Community Partnerships Drive Innovative Workforce Development at Tacoma Public Schools | Adam Kulaas

Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent Series

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Adam Kulaas, the Director of Innovative Learning and Career and Technical Education for Tacoma Public Schools in Washington State. He also founded Jobs 253, which offers the district’s high school students the opportunity to earn credit toward graduation while gaining meaningful work experience.
Some Questions I Ask:

• Tell us about Tacoma Public Schools and your role in the district? (01:15)
• What is the Job 253 program? (02:10)
• What impact does Jobs 253 have for students and the community? (04:31)
• Who funds the program? (06:47)
• How do you work with other entities? (08:36)
• How do employers respond? (11:14)
• Will there be a shift in how districts implement workforce experiences in the future? (12:04)
• What is your advice for others who want to consider a similar approach in other cities? (13:29)
• When do you introduce the program to students? (15:29)
• How do you share your success with others? (17:09)
  

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Adam’s role at Tacoma Public Schools (01:21)
• All about the Jobs 253 program (02:43)
• Impacts of Jobs 253 (04:42)
• Funding sources for Jobs 253 (07:01)
• Expansion of the program (09:09)
• Employers’ response toward the program (11:26)
• Trajectory of priorities for Job 253 in the future (12:26)
• His advice to other districts adapting theJobs 253 program (13:44)
• Reasons to introduce the program as early as possible (15:41)
• Sharing Adam’s success story to the community (17:26)
  

Quotes:

“We served over 1,000 kids in paid work experiences. For perspective, that mirrored the 10 years previous. It's this really rich, exciting opportunity that evolved over the years [but] still remains firmly anchored in this idea of giving kids a paid work experience and serving community.”
“It's been fun to watch us shift or solidify some of the trajectories for youth in terms of life in high school, but even beyond in terms of what's next.”
“The faster we can adapt to scenarios that empower learners–give them not just a sense of ownership, but actual control over what their current experiences are, and then help them frame what that looks like beyond–then we win. I see an intentional push at the state and national levels to integrate more real work experiences, real world experiences. But I think I'm in a unique scenario. You have to gather a mass in order to go from theory to action.”
Stay in touch with Adam Kulaas:
Getting Smart Website
Job 253 Website
Tacoma Public Schools

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
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SWPR GROUP Website
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Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
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About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
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